Our Vision: Jacksonville will become a Top 50  global city by 2032.

Top 50 is not about prestige. It is about outcomes: access to strong education, well-paying jobs, safe and healthy neighborhoods, and opportunity across every part of the city.

World-class cities consistently attract opportunity, retain talent, and improve quality of life as investment follows growth.

Jacksonville by the Numbers

The Oxford Economics Global Cities Index scores cities across five different categories to achieve a well-rounded comparison of locations.

#150

Current Overall Ranking

Among cities with populations under 4 million, Jacksonville ranks #119. The goal is not to resemble New York or Paris, but to become the strongest possible version of a city our size.

Based on data from past two years

Ranking Indicators

The Oxford Economics Global Cities Index provides a holistic assessment of the 1,000 largest cities in the world using the following ranking indicators:

Economics
Human Capital
Quality of Life
Environment
Governance

#73

Economics

A city’s economy plays a crucial role in its prosperity and attractiveness. Economic vitality is a fundamental aspect of urban development, driving a city’s wealth generation, employment opportunities, access to goods and services and much more.

Accounts for 30% of the Oxford score

Economic Indicators

GDP size
GDP growth
Economic stability
GDP per person
Employment growth
Economic diversity

#263

Human Capital

Human capital encompasses the collective knowledge and skills of a city’s population, underpinning the economic potential of every city. It reflects the dynamics of educational attainment, innovation, and

Accounts for 25% of the Oxford score

Human Capital Indicators

Population growth
Age profile
Universities
Corporate headquarters
Educational attainment
Foreign-born population

#342

Quality of Life

Quality of life encapsulates the wellbeing and satisfaction of a city’s residents. This category measures the liveability and attractiveness of a city, which can play a role in migration patterns, talent retention and the overall happiness of residents.

Accounts for 25% of the Oxford score

Quality of Life Indicators

Income equality
Income per person
Housing expenditure
Life expectancy
Crime rate
Recreation & cultural sites

#105

Environment

The Environment category evaluates a city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its predisposition to climate change risks; environmental sustainability is critical for ensuring long-term resilience.

Accounts for 10% of the Oxford score

Environment Indicators

Air quality
Emissions intensity
Natural disasters
Temperature anomalies
Rainfall anomalies

#161

Governance

Good governance fosters trust, social cohesion, and equitable access to opportunities, while poor governance can lead to inefficiencies, corruption, and social unrest. This category is measured at the national level, rather than at the city level.

Accounts for 10% of the Oxford score

Governance Indicators

Institutions
Political stability
Business environment
Civil liberties

How We Measure Progress: The Data & The DNA

Becoming world-class cannot be measured by perception or data alone. It requires both.

Alongside Oxford Index framework and indicators, we are undertaking a community-wide effort to identify and articulate Jacksonville’s DNA, grounded in our history, natural assets, built environment, and lived experiences.

How We Get There: Jax365

Jax365 is a movement and a platform that invites every Jaxson – from every neighborhood and walk of life – to help shape Jacksonville into a world-class city.

It empowers individuals to set and pursue their own unreasonable goals, grounded in the belief that real progress comes from the collective energy of an inspired community.

No matter who you are or where you live, you have a role in building the future of Jacksonville – 365 days a year.

Our Vision: Jacksonville will become a Top 50 global city by 2032.