Median Income
$73,875
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$282,000
0% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
585/100K
54% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.3%
1% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.0%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Jefferson City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population446
Median Age38.8 yrs
Density19/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$73,875
Per Capita$35,006
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$393M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$282,000
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$611,871
Housing Units226
Rent Burden21.0%
Crime
F
Violent585/100K
Property1,420/100K
Health
Obesity33.0%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking13.7%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain17.8 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation4,603 ft (1,403 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.3%
High School+91.6%
Graduate+18.9%
School Score6.50
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 30%
Commute27 min
Broadband77.8%
EV Stations12
Libraries4
Is Jefferson City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Jefferson City receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. 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 $73,875, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Jefferson City is $282,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 585 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,420 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 91.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Jefferson City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Jefferson City has a population of 446 with a density of 19 people per square mile, spread across 23.2 square miles. The median age is 38.8 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (98%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 38.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.8yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Jefferson City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Jefferson City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Jefferson City is $73,875, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,006. The average weekly wage is $1,049, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 495 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Jefferson City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,875 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,006 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,049 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,082 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 495 |
| County GDP | $393M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 25 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,091 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.45% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Jefferson City is $282,000, 0% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $611,871, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,070 for a one-bedroom to $1,404 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 226 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. The average annual property tax is $4,091 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $282,000 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $611,871 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $968 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,070 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,404 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,946 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,954 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 226 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,091 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.45% |
In Jefferson City, 33.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 20.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,559. The dentist ratio is 1:2,138. 51.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Jefferson City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.0% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.9% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,559 |
| Dentists | 1:2,138 |
| Mental Health | 1:768 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.0% |
| Dental Visits | 65.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,802/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Jefferson City has a violent crime rate of 585 per 100,000 residents, 54% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,420 per 100,000, 28% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Jefferson City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Jefferson City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 584.8/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,420.2/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 93 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Jefferson City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. The area gets 273 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 17.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 4,603 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
63°F Jul (17°C)
| Annual Average | 41.0°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 63°F (17°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,603 ft (1,403 m) |
| Area | 23.2 sq mi (60.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 19/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3779°N, 112.0305°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Helena Regional (HLN) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.8"
53% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
515 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 15, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2017 |
11 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.8 |
70 km |
| Jul 26, 2005 |
16 km N of Dillon, Montana |
M5.6 |
121 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
15 km S of Lincoln, Montana |
M5.0 |
69 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.4 |
66 km |
| May 8, 2007 |
8 km NNW of Alder, Montana |
M4.4 |
110 km |
| Jan 30, 2016 |
19 km E of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.3 |
70 km |
| Oct 28, 1998 |
18 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.3 |
76 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
4 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.2 |
75 km |
| Aug 6, 2019 |
3 km NW of Manhattan, Montana |
M4.1 |
76 km |
| Oct 7, 2024 |
11 km E of Dillon, Montana |
M4.1 |
133 km |
| Jun 18, 2006 |
6 km S of Pony, Montana |
M4.1 |
87 km |
| Apr 8, 2000 |
8 km ENE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.1 |
48 km |
| Sep 3, 2016 |
16 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.0 |
73 km |
| Jun 28, 2000 |
21 km SE of Clinton, Montana |
M4.0 |
119 km |
| Mar 6, 2009 |
18 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.0 |
75 km |
| Jan 18, 2006 |
18 km NNE of Dillon, Montana |
M4.0 |
119 km |
| Jul 6, 2017 |
14 km SSE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
67 km |
| Nov 10, 2000 |
14 km NE of Townsend, Montana |
M4.0 |
51 km |
| Jul 17, 2017 |
12 km ESE of Lincoln, Montana |
M4.0 |
69 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
17 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 30, 1975 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1982 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1997 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1997 |
EF0 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1996 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1994 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1993 |
EF0 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1992 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1992 |
EF0 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1988 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1971 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1962 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1960 |
EF0 |
25 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TOSTON-MAUDLOW (80,383 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
TOSTON-MAUDLOW |
80,383 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
WOODS CREEK |
55,836 |
61 km |
| 2003 |
LINCOLN COMPLEX (SNOWBANK) |
36,987 |
91 km |
| 1988 |
CANYON CREEK |
35,865 |
19 km |
| 2021 |
HARRIS MTN |
31,792 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
ALICE CREEK |
29,971 |
91 km |
| 1984 |
NORTH HILL |
27,162 |
49 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (CAVE GULCH) |
26,997 |
48 km |
| 2021 |
HAYSTACK |
26,118 |
29 km |
| 2007 |
MERIWETHER |
18,865 |
58 km |
| 2017 |
PARK CREEK |
17,915 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
BEAR TRAP 2 |
14,875 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX (BUCKSNORT) |
14,843 |
33 km |
| 1990 |
BEARTOOTH COMPLEX |
13,462 |
68 km |
| 2000 |
BOULDER COMPLEX (HIGH ORE ROAD) |
9,625 |
12 km |
| 2015 |
EUSTIS |
8,469 |
57 km |
| 2015 |
COTTONWOOD GULCH |
8,100 |
71 km |
| 2017 |
CHINN MA |
7,029 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
INDIAN TRAIL |
4,592 |
68 km |
| 2020 |
STATE CREEK |
4,549 |
35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
56°F (13°C) |
2.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
63°F (17°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
53°F (11°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
Jefferson City has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 22°F in December to 63°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.2") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Jefferson City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$237 ($142–$378) |
| Specialist Visit |
$331 ($189–$520) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($95–$331) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,081 ($757–$4,730) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$237 ($142–$378) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$114) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$568 ($378–$946) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($95–$331) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$95 ($57–$142) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$378 ($142–$757) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,622 ($3,784–$11,352) |
| Roof Repair |
$946 ($378–$1,892) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,514 ($5,203–$14,190) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,419 ($473–$3,311) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,190 ($4,730–$28,380) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,730 ($1,892–$9,460) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,419 ($757–$2,838) |
| Will Preparation |
$473 ($189–$946) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,365 ($946–$4,730) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$95) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$142 ($71–$237) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.88 ($2.84–$5.20) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.31 ($2.37–$4.73) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.59 ($2.37–$5.20) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.26 ($2.84–$6.15) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.20 ($3.78–$7.10) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.95 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($76–$237) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$142) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$114) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$95) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$95) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$142) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$473) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,892 ($1,135–$3,311) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.57–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$95 ($28–$237) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,135 ($568–$2,365) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$946 ($473–$1,892) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$378 ($189–$662) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$95) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$946 ($378–$2,365) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,825 ($4,730–$28,380) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$95 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($95–$378) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $990 |
| Toddler | $1,037 |
| Preschool | $885 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $781 |
| Toddler | $799 |
| Preschool | $799 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Jefferson City
What is the population of Jefferson City?
Jefferson City has a population of 446 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 19 people per square mile, spread across 23.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.8 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Jefferson City expensive to live in?
Jefferson City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $73,875, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $282,000 (0% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Jefferson City safe?
The violent crime rate in Jefferson City is 585 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,420 per 100,000 (below 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 63°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Jefferson City?
The job market in Jefferson City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,049. There are 495 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Jefferson City?
The median home value in Jefferson City is $282,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $611,871. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,091.
How are the schools in Jefferson City?
Schools in Jefferson City score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.3% of adults in Jefferson City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. 18.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Jefferson City?
The obesity rate in Jefferson City is 33.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 20.9% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 51.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,559.
What is transportation like in Jefferson City?
The average commute in Jefferson City is 27 minutes. 91.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Jefferson City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Jefferson City is 98% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 38.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.