Jacksonville, Florida's largest city, sits at just 10 meters (33 ft) above sea level. Located on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the St. Johns River, Jacksonville is one of the flattest major cities in the United States.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Lowest point (riverfront / coast) | 0–2 m |
|---|---|
| Highest point (city limits) | ~30 m |
| Coordinates | 30.3322° N, 81.6557° W |
| Country / Region | Florida, USA |
Elevations by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Downtown | 3–10 m |
| Riverside / Avondale | 5–15 m |
| Southside | 10–25 m |
| Beaches (Atlantic / Ponte Vedra) | 2–8 m |
| Arlington | 5–20 m |
| West Jacksonville | 10–25 m |
Compare: Jacksonville and Nearby Cities
| City | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Miami, FL | 2 m |
| Tampa, FL | 9 m |
| Orlando, FL | 58 m |
| Atlanta, GA | 320 m |
Interesting Facts About Jacksonville's Elevation
- Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the contiguous United States, covering over 2,000 km².
- The St. Johns River, one of the few US rivers flowing north, bisects the city at near sea level.
- Sea-level rise is a significant concern for Jacksonville – parts of the metro area are vulnerable to storm surge flooding.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Elevation of Jacksonville
What is the elevation of Jacksonville, Florida?
Jacksonville sits at approximately 10 metres (33 feet) above sea level. The city is very flat, typical of Florida's coastal plain terrain.
Does Jacksonville flood?
Yes, parts of Jacksonville are prone to flooding, particularly near the St. Johns River and coastal areas. The city faces ongoing challenges from storm surge and the effects of sea-level rise.
Is Jacksonville on the ocean?
Jacksonville has beach communities (Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach) on the Atlantic Ocean, though the city centre itself is about 30 km inland from the coast.