Median Income
$54,286
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$126,900
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
73/100K
81% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.7%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$745
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How Jefferson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,164
Median Age51.5 yrs
Density692/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$54,286
Per Capita$38,198
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$721M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$126,900
Rent$745
Ownership70.4%
Zillow$169,238
Housing Units2,277
Rent Burden27.0%
Crime
F
Violent73/100K
Property1,019/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault73/100K
Burglary97/100K
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking16.8%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,057 ft (322 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.7%
High School+91.4%
Graduate+6.6%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute24 min
Broadband85.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Jefferson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Jefferson receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Jefferson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Jefferson is $54,286, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Jefferson is $126,900, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $745 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Jefferson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 73 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,019 per 100,000, 48% below the national average.
Education
21.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Jefferson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.3 inches, including 31.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Jefferson has a population of 4,164 with a density of 692 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age is 51.5 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.5yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Jefferson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.4%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Jefferson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Jefferson is $54,286, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,198. The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 310 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 7.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Jefferson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,286 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,198 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,253 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 310 |
| County GDP | $721M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 37 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,447 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |
The median home value in Jefferson is $126,900, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,238, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $745 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $826 for a one-bedroom to $1,084 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,277 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $3,447. 27.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $126,900 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,238 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $745 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $821 |
| 1 Bedroom | $826 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,084 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,435 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.6% |
| Housing Units | 2,277 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,447 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.72% |
In Jefferson, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,453. The dentist ratio is 1:2,914. 63.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Jefferson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,453 |
| Dentists | 1:2,914 |
| Mental Health | 1:954 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,201/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Jefferson has a violent crime rate of 73 per 100,000 residents, 81% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 72.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,019 per 100,000, 48% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 922, burglary at 97, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Jefferson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Jefferson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 72.8/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 72.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,018.7/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| Burglary | 97.0/100K |
| Theft | 921.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Jefferson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.3 inches. The area receives 31.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,057 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,057 ft (322 m) |
| Area | 6.0 sq mi (15.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 692/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0177°N, 94.3794°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Greene County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.3"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
688 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 332 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
69 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
89 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
71 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
71 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
30 km |
1 |
| Apr 14, 1994 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Jefferson has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Jefferson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $692 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $467 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Jefferson
What is the population of Jefferson?
Jefferson has a population of 4,164 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 692 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Jefferson expensive to live in?
Jefferson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,286, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $126,900 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $745 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Jefferson safe?
Jefferson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 73 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,019 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Jefferson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Jefferson?
Jefferson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.3 inches, with 31.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Jefferson?
The job market in Jefferson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 310 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 7.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Jefferson?
The median home value in Jefferson is $126,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,238. For renters, the median monthly rent is $745. Fair market rent is $826 for a 1-bedroom and $1,084 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,447.
How are the schools in Jefferson?
Schools in Jefferson score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.7% of adults in Jefferson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. 6.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Jefferson?
The obesity rate in Jefferson is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 63.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,453.
What is transportation like in Jefferson?
The average commute in Jefferson is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Jefferson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Jefferson is 93.8% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 20.4% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
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