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Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a city in northeastern Florida, United States, and the county seat of Duval County.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jacksonville is a city in northeastern Florida, United States, and the county seat of Duval County. It is the most populous city in Florida and one of the largest U.S. cities by land area, following its 1968 consolidation with most of Duval County. The city lies on the St. Johns River near the Atlantic coast and serves as a major port and transportation hub.

History

Jacksonville was founded in 1822 and incorporated in 1832. In 1968, the city consolidated with most of Duval County, greatly expanding its boundaries and leading to its current large area.

Geography

The city lies in northeastern Florida along the St. Johns River, close to its mouth on the Atlantic Ocean. Its large municipal area includes extensive coastline, riverfront, and parkland. Jacksonville is commonly associated with beaches, parks, and a large urban park system.

Demographics

According to the 2020 census, Jacksonville had a population of 949,611, making it the most populous city in Florida. The Jacksonville metropolitan area is also one of the largest in the southeastern United States.

Economy and transportation

Jacksonville is an important port and a centre for commerce, banking, shipping, and transportation. It serves as a regional hub for business and employment.

Key facts

  • Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida and the county seat of Duval County.
  • It is one of the largest U.S. cities by land area, due to the 1968 consolidation with Duval County.
  • The city is located on the St. Johns River near the Atlantic coast.
  • Jacksonville is a major port and transportation hub.
  • It is known for its beaches, parks, and large urban park system.

Frequently asked questions

What state is Jacksonville in?
Jacksonville is in Florida, in the United States.
Is Jacksonville the largest city in Florida?
Yes. It is the most populous city in Florida, based on the 2020 census.
When was Jacksonville founded?
Jacksonville was founded in 1822 and incorporated in 1832.
Why is Jacksonville so large geographically?
Its size expanded greatly in 1968, when the city consolidated with most of Duval County.
Where is Jacksonville located?
It is in northeastern Florida on the St. Johns River near the Atlantic Ocean.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville,_Florida
    Supports: Population, county seat status, consolidation with Duval County, and city area.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/place/Jacksonville-Florida
    Supports: Geographic location, consolidated government, area, and civic/economic role.
  3. Visit Jacksonvillehttps://www.visitjacksonville.com/about/research-information/jax-facts/
    Supports: Area size, park system, and city facts.
  4. Kiddlehttps://kids.kiddle.co/Jacksonville,_Florida
    Supports: General location, county seat status, and 1968 consolidation.
  5. Jacksonville Universityhttps://www.ju.edu/about/jacksonville.php
    Supports: Coastline, riverfront, parks, and city character.