Demographically, Jacksonville is quite unique from other cities in Florida. With a population of 1.3 million, Jacksonville and its surrounding counties have significant size while also being more representative of the 55 million in the U.S. Southeast than alternative markets.

Known as Florida’s First Coast, Jacksonville is located in northeast part of the state close to Georgia and has extensive Atlantic Ocean coastline. It is Florida’s fourth largest economy and, with a large port and extensive rail network, is a transportation and distribution hub for the Southeast. Additionally it has a vibrant services economy.

Jacksonville's population breakdown is highly correlated to the aggregate of populations in:

If understanding the U.S. Southeast market is your goal, Jacksonville is the place to conduct your study.

By The Numbers

According to recent census data the Jacksonville Metropolitan Statistic Area (MSA) is:

• Rapidly growing — It grew 27.6 percent from 1997-2007, more than two times the U.S. overall growth and 5 percent faster than Florida average.
• For the purposes of population surveys, Jacksonville has fewer senior citizens than U.S., Southeast, and Florida averages.
• African Americans make up more than 22 percent of the Jacksonville MSA population, which is 175 percent the average U.S. percentage.
• Hispanic or Latino origin is 6 percent overall, considerably less than Florida or U.S. averages, but in line with the U.S. Southeast overall.
• Foreign-born residents and those who speak languages other than English at home are equivalent to that found across the U.S. Southeast, but only one-third the rate typically found in Florida or the U.S. as a whole.
• Median income, homeownership rate and retail sales rate are representative and slightly higher than found in Florida, the U.S. Southeast, or U.S.
• Compared to Atlanta, or other Florida cities, Jacksonville correlates much higher with the demographic make up of the U.S. Southeast region. Atlanta and Miami have wonderful cultures, but they are quite distinct from most of the U.S. Southeast.
• For a market that is large enough to commit resources, yet also representative of the U.S. Southeast, Jacksonville is a very strong choice.
• Many of those who know the area will say that in essence and in attitude, North Florida is "the South" and very different from other distinct regions of the state including Orlando, Tampa, and Miami.