1939 Jax rental rates colored coded at block level

Jul 10, 2025 • Ennis Davis, AICP

A 1939 map prepared by the Research Division of the Federal Housing Administration colored coded by average monthly rental rates for each city block. Did you know that Downtown's highest rents were in LaVilla's red light district? This series of maps reveal long lost economic conditions of neighborhoods throughout the City of Jacksonville prior to World War 2. Take a look and let us know what stands out the most to you!

Data from the Real Property Inventory Bureau of Foreign & Domestic Commerce.

Colors indicate average monthly rental for each block rental classes indicated as follows:

Less than $10.00 a month = Green
$10.00 to $19.99 a month = Yellow
$20.00 to $29.99 a month = Orange
$30.00 to $49.99 a month = Red
$50.00 and over a month = Purple

Block data figures are listed in the following order from top to bottom:

The average rental for the block.
The total number of residential structures in the block (Figure in a circle).
The percent of the total number of residential structures under 15 years old.
The percent of the toal number of dwelling units in the block that are owner occupied.
The percent of the total number of residential structures in the block that need major repairs or that are unfit for occupancy.
The percent of the total number of structures in the block that are used for commercial purposes.
The percent of the total number of dwelling units in the block that have no private baths.
The percent of the total number of persons living in the block that are of a race other than white.

Click here for zoom in version of map