Performance
Score Breakdown
Jacksonville
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ponca City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
14% higher compared to Jacksonville.
Housing costs are a major driver: Jacksonville's average rent is
56% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Jacksonville | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,250 | $800 | +56% |
| Groceries | $450 | $649 | -31% |
| Utilities | $180 | $208 | -13% |
| Transport | $120 | $186 | -35% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $139 | +80% |
| Monthly Total | $2,250 | $1,982 | +14% |
| Cost Index | 80 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Ponca City offers 5% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Ponca City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Jacksonville is estimated at
$42,000 vs $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Jacksonville | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $30,946 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 38,683 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $49,666 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Jacksonville | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Jacksonville.
For walkability, Ponca City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Jacksonville | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 22.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Jacksonville is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Jacksonville is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Ponca City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Jacksonville | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,400 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 32.4 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.40% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Jacksonville
Advantages
The median home value in Jacksonville is significantly lower than the national average, making housing highly affordable.
Jacksonville offers a strong sense of community and a family-friendly atmosphere.
The average commute time for residents is relatively short at 20.3 minutes.
The city is undergoing various infrastructure and development projects, indicating investment and potential future improvements.
Jacksonville has numerous parks and hosts community events like FestiVille, providing recreational opportunities.
Drawbacks
Jacksonville's violent crime rate is higher than the national average.
As of April 2026, the city lacks an acute care hospital with an emergency department, impacting general healthcare access.
The city has minimal public transportation and low walkability, making it highly car-dependent.
The city experienced a slight decline in employment from 2023 to 2024.
The population is projected to have a slight annual decline in 2026.
Ponca City
Advantages
The cost of living in Ponca City is 17.4% lower than the national average, making it highly affordable.
Housing expenses are significantly lower, approximately 30.8% less expensive than the national average.
The average commute time is relatively short at 15.7 minutes.
Ponca City has a strong presence of manufacturing, agriculture, and energy industries, providing diverse employment opportunities.
The city offers a temperate climate with distinct seasonal changes, suitable for various outdoor activities.
Drawbacks
Ponca City has a higher crime rate than the national average, with an overall safety grade of D+.
The city has experienced a slight population decline, with a projected annual rate of -0.02% in 2026.
Employment in Ponca City saw a decline of -0.508% from 2023 to 2024.
Public transportation options are limited, and the city is highly car-dependent.
The poverty rate in Ponca City is 17.95%, which is higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Jacksonville
#108Arkansas, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$30,946
Cost Index
80
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
22.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
65
Business
60
Ponca City
#108Oklahoma, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$800
Avg Salary
$32,704
Cost Index
83
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
60
Business
65
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