Jacksonville

by The Linguist

Jacksonville, Florida

With a population of 949,611 as of 2022, Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida and the 12th most populous city in the United States. Located in northeast Florida along the St. Johns River, Jacksonville covers a total area of 918 square miles making it the largest city by area in the contiguous United States.

History

The earliest known inhabitants of the Jacksonville area were the Timucua people. In 1564, the French established a fort at the mouth of the St. Johns River. Later, Jacksonville was settled by English settlers. The city was incorporated in 1832 and named after Andrew Jackson. During the Civil War, Jacksonville was a key supply point for hogs and cattle being shipped to provide food for the Confederate forces. The city was home to several Confederate battery sites aimed to stop Union ships from gaining access to the harbor. Throughout its history, Jacksonville suffered several setbacks from the Great Fire of 1901 which destroyed over 2,000 buildings to the Great Depression which stalled growth. However, the establishment of naval bases in the area during World War II helped boost the economy. Over the decades, Jacksonville has grown to become a major urban center in Florida.

Economy

Jacksonville has a diverse economy with industries including financial services, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and tourism. Some major companies headquartered in Jacksonville include Fidelity National Financial, FIS, Black Knight Inc., Stein Mart, Fanatics, Southeastern Grocers, Shipt, and Florida Blue. The city’s port, maritime and logistics industries also play a significant economic role. The Port of Jacksonville, located on the St. Johns River, is one of the busiest ports in the state handling over 20 million tons of cargo annually. Major business parks and industrial areas in Jacksonville include North Jacksonville Industrial Park, Cecil Commerce Center and International Tradeport. Some of the largest employers in Jacksonville are naval bases, financial services firms, banks, healthcare providers and retailers.

Population

As of 2022, Jacksonville had an estimated population of 949,611 making it the 12th most populous city in the United States. Jacksonville has grown rapidly in recent decades. Some key facts about Jacksonville’s demographics:

  • 49.8% Male, 50.2% Female
  • Median Age: 35.8 years old
  • Median Household Income: $54,945
  • Race/Ethnicity Breakdown: White (60.9%), Black (29.9%), Asian (4.6%), Hispanic/Latino (10.7%), Other (5.4%)

Jacksonville encompasses the majority of Duval County. Additional counties located adjacent to Jacksonville include Clay, Nassau, Baker and St. Johns counties.

Landmarks

Jacksonville Landing

Located along the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, Jacksonville Landing was a popular riverfront shopping and dining complex. It opened in 1987 and was well-known for its weekend farmer’s markets, concerts and other community events. The Landing closed in 2018 and is currently undergoing redevelopment.

Jacksonville Landing
2 Independent Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 353-1188

Fort Clinch State Park

Fort Clinch State Park is located northeast of downtown Jacksonville along the Atlantic Coast. The park is home to the well-preserved 19th century Fort Clinch as well as beaches, fishing, camping and nature trails.

Fort Clinch State Park
2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 277-7274

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a 100-acre zoo located near downtown. It is home to over 2,000 rare and exotic animals and features botanical gardens, nature trails, educational exhibits and more.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218
(904) 757-4463

Transportation

Jacksonville is served by a network of highways, airports, seaports and public transportation:

  • Major highways: I-10, I-95, I-295, I-795, US 1, US 17, US 23, US 90, US 301
  • Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) – Largest airport in North Florida offering flights to over 35 domestic and international destinations. Located 12 miles north of downtown.
  • Port of Jacksonville – 3rd largest port in Florida and top vehicle handling port in the US. Located along St. Johns River in Jacksonville.
  • Jacksonville Transportation Authority – Operates buses, trolleys, paratransit, and a monorail serving the Jacksonville area.

Education

Public education in Jacksonville is overseen by Duval County Public Schools, the 20th largest school district in the United States. The district has over 155,000 students in more than 190 schools. Some of the largest high schools in Jacksonville include:

In addition, Jacksonville is home to several universities and colleges including the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, Florida State College at Jacksonville and more.

County Information

Jacksonville is located primarily in Duval County, Florida. The Duval County government website can be found here: https://www.coj.net/

Duval County Courthouse
501 W Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 255-5000

Map of Jacksonville, Florida

Additional Local Resources

Visit Jacksonville – Official tourism website for Jacksonville and the Beaches
Jacksonville Public Library – Public library system with over 30 branch locations in Duval County

Jacksonville Public Works – Public works department overseeing roads, drainage, traffic engineering and more

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office – Law enforcement agency and corrections department for Duval County

Jacksonville Relay for Life – Local Relay for Life chapter raising funds to fight cancer

JaxHappening – Event calendar and local guide for things to do in Jacksonville

JAX Chamber – Chamber of commerce serving northeast Florida businesses

Jacksonville City Council – Legislative governing body for the city of Jacksonville