Travel Nurse Housing in Jackson, Mississippi: Complete Guide
Jackson is Mississippi’s capital and home to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the state’s only academic medical center. Travel nurses find one of the lowest costs of living in the country and strong demand at a major teaching hospital.
Jackson’s healthcare includes UMMC, Baptist Memorial, Merit Health, and St. Dominic Hospital.
Whether you are heading to Jackson for your first travel nursing assignment or returning for another contract, this guide will help you navigate the housing market, understand what to expect from local costs, and find a neighborhood that fits your needs. Jackson has a lot to offer travel nurses, and a little planning goes a long way toward making your assignment a success.
Major Hospitals and Health Systems
Jackson is home to several major hospitals and health systems that consistently hire travel nurses across a wide range of specialties. Knowing which facilities are in the area helps you plan your housing search around commute times and gives you a sense of where demand is concentrated.
University of Mississippi Medical Center — Mississippi’s only academic medical center and Level I trauma center. The largest hospital in the state.
Baptist Memorial Hospital - Jackson — A large community hospital with comprehensive services.
Merit Health Central — A hospital with emergency and medical services.
St. Dominic Hospital — A Catholic hospital with cardiac, surgical, and women’s health programs.
Travel nurse demand in Jackson is generally strong, with ICU, ED, med-surg, and telemetry being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during winter flu season. If you are flexible on specialty or shift, you will have even more options to choose from in this market.
Best Neighborhoods for Travel Nurses
Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you will make during your Jackson assignment. Where you live affects your commute, your safety, your access to amenities, and ultimately your quality of life for the duration of your contract. Here are the top neighborhoods that travel nurses should consider when searching for housing in Jackson.
Fondren
Jackson’s trendiest neighborhood with restaurants, shops, and a walkable main street.
Pros: Walkable, excellent dining, close to UMMC, arts community
Cons: Higher rents for Jackson, limited parking, some surrounding areas need awareness
Belhaven
A beautiful residential neighborhood near Millsaps College with tree-lined streets.
Pros: Beautiful homes, residential charm, close to hospitals, safe
Cons: Higher rents, quiet nightlife, limited furnished options
Ridgeland and Madison
Suburban communities north of Jackson with safe neighborhoods and shopping.
Pros: Safe, modern apartments, good shopping, family-friendly
Cons: Suburban, car-dependent, 15-20 minute commute, limited character
When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Car-dependent. Jackson is compact with short commutes. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Jackson through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.
Average Housing Costs
Housing costs in Jackson are well below the national average. Here is a general overview of what you can expect to pay for rental housing in the area. Keep in mind that prices vary by neighborhood, season, and the specific amenities included with the unit.
- Studio apartment: $550 to $850 per month
- One-bedroom apartment: $650 to $1,000 per month
- Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $800 to $1,300 per month
Jackson has one of the lowest costs of living in the US. Your stipend will go extremely far. Fondren and Belhaven are most desirable.
Many travel nurses in Jackson find their housing through Furnished Finder , which connects healthcare travelers with landlords who specifically offer furnished, short-term rentals designed for assignment-length stays. It is one of the most widely used housing platforms in the travel nursing industry and an excellent starting point for your search. You can also explore local Facebook groups, Craigslist, and extended-stay hotels to compare your options and find the best fit for your budget and preferences.
GSA Stipend Rate
The General Services Administration publishes per diem rates that many travel nursing agencies use as a baseline for calculating housing and meals and incidentals stipends. The GSA rate for the Jackson, MS area varies by time of year, with higher rates typically applying during peak travel seasons and lower rates during off-peak months.
It is essential to check the current GSA per diem rate for your specific assignment dates and location, as rates are updated annually each October and can change significantly from year to year. You can look up the exact rate on the GSA website or ask your recruiter for the figures they are using to calculate your pay package. Keep in mind that your actual stipend may differ from the published GSA rate depending on your agency’s internal pay structure and policies.
Understanding how your stipend fits into your total compensation is key to evaluating any travel nursing contract. For help breaking down the numbers, use our pay calculator to compare packages side by side and see your estimated take-home pay after taxes, stipends, and deductions.
Housing Tips for Jackson
Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Jackson that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.
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UMMC is the state’s academic center — Working at Mississippi’s only academic medical center provides valuable experience.
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Safety awareness is important — Research neighborhoods carefully and follow standard urban safety precautions.
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Mississippi income tax — Mississippi has a state income tax, but the extremely low cost of living still makes it financially attractive.
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Southern hospitality is genuine — Jackson’s community is warm and welcoming to travel nurses.
For a comprehensive overview of the housing search process from start to finish, including how to spot scams and negotiate lease terms, check out our complete travel nurse housing guide. It covers everything you need to know regardless of which city you are heading to.
Cost of Living Overview
Jackson has one of the lowest costs of living in the United States. Groceries, gas, and dining are all well below national averages.
When budgeting for your Jackson assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Kroger and Walmart are main grocery options. Jackson’s food scene includes excellent Southern and soul food at very low prices. Tracking your spending during the first two weeks of your assignment will give you a realistic picture of your monthly costs and help you adjust your budget accordingly.
Things to Do on Days Off
One of the greatest perks of travel nursing is the opportunity to explore a new city on your days off. Jackson has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.
- Mississippi Museum of Art — A quality museum with Mississippi-focused art and rotating exhibitions.
- Fondren Dining District — Explore Jackson’s best restaurants concentrated along Fondren’s State Street.
- Old Capitol Museum — The beautifully restored old state capitol building with Mississippi history exhibits.
- Natchez Trace Parkway — Drive this scenic 444-mile historic route that passes through Jackson with hiking trails and historic sites.
Take full advantage of your time in Jackson. Exploring the local culture, trying restaurants you have never heard of, and visiting nearby attractions are what make travel nursing more than just a paycheck. Many travel nurses find that their days off are when they truly fall in love with a new city.
Final Thoughts
Jackson, Mississippi offers travel nurses one of the most affordable cities in America with the state’s only academic medical center, genuine Southern hospitality, and a growing food scene. With University of Mississippi Medical Center, Baptist Memorial, and St. Dominic Hospital and a very low cost of living, it is a market well worth considering whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned veteran looking for your next destination.
Start your housing search as early as possible, ideally four to six weeks before your assignment start date. The best furnished rentals tend to go quickly, especially in popular neighborhoods near major hospitals. Furnished Finder is an excellent resource for finding travel nurse housing in Jackson, and joining local travel nurse social media groups can give you insider tips and real-time availability updates.
For more resources on finding and securing great travel nurse housing anywhere in the country, explore our complete housing guide. And when you are comparing pay packages for Jackson assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.
We wish you the best on your Jackson assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.