Choose Country

Jefferson City, MO

Missouri · Metropolitan Area

Jefferson City is a mid-size city in Missouri with a population of 42,565. Residents earn $67,205 per year, which is 11% below the national average.

3.5 /5.0
B+ Good
42,565 Population 1,180/sq mi density
$67,205 Median Income $36,051 per capita
$208,000 Home Value $268,353 Zillow
$766 Median Rent 24.2% income on rent
55°F Avg Temperature 264 sunny days/yr
307 Violent Crime/100K 3,069 property/100K
B+
Overall
3.5 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.1 / 5.0
$67,205 median income, 1.9% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.9 / 5.0
$208,000 home value, $766/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
307 violent crimes/100K (19% below avg)
B+
Education
4.0 / 5.0
36.9% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $67,205
11% lower than US avg
Home Value $208,000
26% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 307/100K
19% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 36.9%
9% higher than US avg
Median Rent $766
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment 1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 10.7%
14% lower than US avg

How Jefferson City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population42,565
Median Age39.1 yrs
Density1,180/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans7.2%

Economy

A
Median Income$67,205
Per Capita$36,051
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty10.7%
Commute16 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$208,000
Rent$766
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$268,353
Housing Units19,058
Rent Burden24.2%

Crime

F
Violent307/100K
Property3,069/100K
Murder2.3/100K
Assault233/100K
Burglary383/100K

Health

Obesity37.4%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking14.7%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease5.3%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain39.8 in/yr
Sunny Days264/yr
Elevation630 ft (192 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+36.9%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+13.7%
School Score6.18

Community

2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute16 min
Broadband87.7%
EV Stations13

Is Jefferson City a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Jefferson City receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Jefferson City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Jefferson City is $67,205, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. 10.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Jefferson City is $208,000, 26% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $766 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Violent crime in Jefferson City is below the national average at 307 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,069 per 100,000, 57% above the national average.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 36.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.

Climate & Weather

Jefferson City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 264 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches, including 6.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.

Jefferson City has a population of 42,565 with a density of 1,180 people per square mile, spread across 36.1 square miles. The median age is 39.1 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (72.5%), with 1.5% Hispanic, 17.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.1% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 7.2% of the population are veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.

Population

42,565
Total Population
1,180
People / sq mi
39.1yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
36.1mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 51.6%
Female 48.4%

Race & Ethnicity

Jefferson City vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only94.1%
20% above US avg
Spanish5.9%
56% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Jefferson City vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Jefferson City is $67,205, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,051. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Jefferson City vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$67,205
11% below US avg
Per Capita Income$36,051

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment1.9%
47% below US avg
Poverty Rate10.7%
14% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time15.6 min
Drive Alone78.3%
Public Transit0.6%
Work from Home8.2%

Walkability

The median home value in Jefferson City is $208,000, 26% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,353, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.5% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $766 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $995 for a one-bedroom to $1,218 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 19,058 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. 24.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$208,000
26% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$268,353
Median List Price$264,700

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$264,700
$/Sq Ft$135
Homes Sold32
Sale-to-List Ratio100.5%
Price Drops39.6%
Inventory53

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$766
34% below US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)$945
Rent Burden24.2%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$955
1 Bedroom$995
2 Bedrooms$1,218
3 Bedrooms$1,568
4 Bedrooms$1,812

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied58.9%
Housing Units19,058
Median Year Built1977

Property Tax

In Jefferson City, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 18.7% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance.

Health Metrics: Jefferson City vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity37.4%
17% above US avg
Diabetes9.8%
Heart Disease5.3%
High Blood Pressure34.1%
Asthma10.4%
COPD6.3%
Cancer7.3%
Stroke2.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking14.7%
5% above US avg
Binge Drinking18.7%
Physical Inactivity27.1%
Depression23.6%
Mental Distress17.5%
Physical Distress12.6%
Short Sleep38.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate91.5%
Uninsured8.4%
2% below US avg
Checkup Rate77.4%
Dental Visits61.6%

Food & Exercise

Jefferson City has a violent crime rate of 307 per 100,000 residents, 19% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 232.9 per 100,000, robbery at 57.6, rape at 13.8. The murder rate is 2.3 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,069 per 100,000, 57% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,615, burglary at 383, vehicle theft at 71 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Jefferson City receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Jefferson City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent306.7/100K
19% below US avg
Murder2.3/100K
63% below US avg
Rape13.8/100K
Robbery57.6/100K
Assault232.9/100K

Property Crime

Total Property3,068.8/100K
57% above US avg
Burglary382.7/100K
Theft2,614.6/100K
Vehicle Theft71.5/100K
Arson9.2/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Jefferson City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 264 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 — making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches. The area receives 6.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. 81% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 630 feet.

Temperature

29°F Jan (-2°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average55.0°F
2% above US avg
January Average29°F (-2°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days264 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall39.8 inches
5% above US avg
Snowfall6.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median40.0
RatingGood
Good Days %81.1%
Unhealthy Days1

Geography

Elevation630 ft (192 m)
Area36.1 sq mi (93.4 km²)
Population Density1,180/sq mi
Coordinates38.5767°N, 92.1735°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 29°F (-2°C) 1.5 in Coldest, Driest
February 35°F (2°C) 1.9 in
March 45°F (7°C) 3.2 in
April 55°F (13°C) 3.9 in
May 65°F (18°C) 5.0 in Wettest
June 73°F (23°C) 4.2 in
July 78°F (26°C) 3.5 in Warmest
August 77°F (25°C) 3.5 in
September 69°F (20°C) 3.9 in
October 57°F (14°C) 3.4 in
November 45°F (7°C) 3.4 in
December 34°F (1°C) 2.5 in

Jefferson City has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F — from 29°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (1.5").

It is classified as Metro — 1 million+, part of a metropolitan area. 36.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 9% above the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 13.7% hold a graduate or professional degree. Area schools have an average test score of 6.2 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 67.7% of the vote, a 36.7-point margin. 87.7% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 13 EV charging stations. 78.3% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 67.7%
D 31%

Winner: Republican by 36.7 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+36.9%
9% above US avg
High School+92.0%
Graduate Degree+13.7%
School Test Score6.18
B+ Education Grade (4.0/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 1Metro — 1 million+
Population Density1,180/sq mi
Total Area36.1 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access87.7%
EV Charging Stations13
Alt Fuel Stations20

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute15.6 min
Drive Alone78.3%
Public Transit0.6%
Work from Home8.2%

Frequently Asked Questions About Jefferson City

What is the population of Jefferson City?

Jefferson City has a population of 42,565 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,180 people per square mile, spread across 36.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.1 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.

Is Jefferson City expensive to live in?

Jefferson City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $67,205, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $208,000 (26% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $766 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Jefferson City safe?

Jefferson City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 307 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,069 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Jefferson City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Jefferson City?

Jefferson City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 264 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.8 inches, with 6.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.

How is the job market in Jefferson City?

The job market in Jefferson City is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 8.2% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Jefferson City?

The median home value in Jefferson City is $208,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,353. For renters, the median monthly rent is $766. Fair market rent is $995 for a 1-bedroom and $1,218 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Jefferson City?

Schools in Jefferson City score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.9% of adults in Jefferson City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 13.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Jefferson City?

The obesity rate in Jefferson City is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance.

What is transportation like in Jefferson City?

The average commute in Jefferson City is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of Jefferson City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Jefferson City is 72.5% White, 17.4% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 94.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Holts Summit, MO 4,572 pop · 5.2 mi Wardsville, MO 1,505 pop · 6.1 mi Taos, MO 1,334 pop · 7.4 mi St. Martins, MO 1,195 pop · 8.9 mi Ashland, MO 4,811 pop · 14.4 mi California, MO 4,523 pop · 21.5 mi Fulton, MO 12,611 pop · 22.3 mi Eldon, MO 4,486 pop · 27.1 mi Columbia, MO 127,200 pop · 27.3 mi Belle, MO 1,476 pop · 31.6 mi Tipton, MO 2,680 pop · 33.2 mi Auxvasse, MO 1,385 pop · 33.9 mi Lake Ozark, MO 2,451 pop · 36.3 mi Hallsville, MO 2,049 pop · 37.4 mi
Compare Jefferson City with another city: