House Hacking Investing in Jacksonville, FL

House Hack Score: 4.6/10Ranked #28 of 52 markets

Data-driven house hacking analysis for Jacksonville, FL — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.

Last updated: May 2026

Score Breakdown

House Hack Score:4.6
Affordable Entry Price(30%)
$285,0005.7
Rent-to-Price Ratio(25%)
0.54%2.8
Low Vacancy(20%)
9.2%3.5
Population Growth(15%)
+9.5%6.8
Livability (Income)(10%)
$68,4474.8

Key Metrics for House Hacking

Median Price

$285,000

FHA 3.5% down: $9,975

Median Rent

$1,550/mo

Per-unit rental income

Vacancy Rate

9.2%

Elevated

Pop. Growth

+9.5%

5-year trend

House Hacking Investment Thesis

Jacksonville is one of the fastest-growing large cities in Florida with no state income tax. The port and logistics economy provide stable employment, while insurance costs are the main expense wildcard.

How Jacksonville Compares

RankCityHouse Hack ScoreCap RateMedian Price
#24Birmingham, AL4.78.5%$125,000
#25Houston, TX4.76.3%$265,000
#26Knoxville, TN4.75.8%$270,000
#27Sacramento, CA4.64.7%$450,000
#28Jacksonville, FL4.66.4%$285,000
#29Little Rock, AR4.58.3%$150,000
#30Dallas, TX4.55.7%$340,000

Showing markets ranked near Jacksonville for this strategy.

Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return

Annual Gross Rent ($1,550/mo)$18,600
Less: Vacancy (9.2%)-$1,711
Less: Property Tax (0.89%)-$2,537
Less: Insurance (~0.5%)-$1,425
Less: Maintenance (~1.5%)-$4,275
Estimated NOI$8,652
Implied Cap Rate3.0%

Based on median market data. Your actual returns will vary based on specific property, financing, and management costs. Always run your own analysis before investing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the house hack score for Jacksonville, FL?

Jacksonville, FL scores 4.6 out of 10 on our house hack score, ranking #28 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: affordable entry price (30%), rent-to-price ratio (25%), low vacancy (20%), population growth (15%), livability/income (10%). Scale 0–10.

Is Jacksonville a good city for house hacking investing?

Jacksonville, FL ranks #28 for house hacking investing with a score of 4.6/10. While not a top-ranked market for this strategy, it may have strengths in other investing approaches.

What is the average cap rate in Jacksonville?

The average cap rate in Jacksonville, FL is 6.4%. The median home price is $285,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,550, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.54%.

What are the property taxes in Jacksonville?

The effective property tax rate in Jacksonville, FL is 0.89%. On a $285,000 property, that translates to approximately $2,537 per year in property taxes.

How does Jacksonville compare to other house hacking markets?

Among our 52 tracked markets, Jacksonville, FL ranks #28 for house hacking investing. It falls in the middle of the pack for this strategy.

Can I FHA-finance a house hack in Jacksonville?

With a median home price of $285,000, most 2-4 unit properties in Jacksonville, FL should fall within FHA loan limits. An FHA loan with 3.5% down would require approximately $9,975 as a down payment. Rental income from additional units (median $1,550/month each) can significantly offset your mortgage payment.

Run Your Own Numbers for Jacksonville

Use our free calculators pre-filled with Jacksonville, FL market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.

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