Median Income
$47,469
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$189,500
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
419/100K
10% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.8%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$958
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.0%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
56% lower than US avg
How Jefferson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,347
Median Age55.2 yrs
Density1,344/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$47,469
Per Capita$32,328
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty5.4%
County GDP$4,396M
Commute22 min
Housing
A
Home Value$189,500
Rent$958
Ownership71.5%
Zillow$216,799
Housing Units1,767
Rent Burden30.4%
Crime
F
Violent419/100K
Property2,266/100K
Health
Obesity43.0%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking17.8%
Depression29.6%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation961 ft (293 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.8%
High School+85.8%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score5.99
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute22 min
Broadband76.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries10
Is Jefferson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Jefferson receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Jefferson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Jefferson is $47,469, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Jefferson is $189,500, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $958 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 419 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,266 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Jefferson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Jefferson has a population of 3,347 with a density of 1,344 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 55.2 years, 42% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (92.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.2yrs
Median Age
42% 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 $47,469, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,328 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $907, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,250 business establishments, including 245 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Jefferson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,469 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,328 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $907 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,518 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.4% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,250 |
| County GDP | $4,396M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 245 |
| Healthcare | 186 |
| Retail | 297 |
| Manufacturing | 150 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,978 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Jefferson is $189,500, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,799, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 83.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $958 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $757 for a one-bedroom to $973 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,767 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $3,978. 30.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $189,500 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $216,799 |
| Median List Price | $187,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $187,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $0 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 83.4% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $958 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $752 |
| 1 Bedroom | $757 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,285 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,482 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,767 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,978 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.10% |
In Jefferson, 43.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.1% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 28.8% are physically inactive. 29.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,476. The dentist ratio is 1:2,853. 69.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Jefferson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.0% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.1% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.8% |
| Depression | 29.6% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 37.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,476 |
| Dentists | 1:2,853 |
| Mental Health | 1:419 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 57.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,961/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 186 |
Jefferson has a violent crime rate of 419 per 100,000 residents, 10% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,266 per 100,000, 16% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Jefferson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Jefferson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 419.0/100K |
| 10% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,265.5/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Jefferson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 275 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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. 62% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 961 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 961 ft (293 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,344/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7384°N, 80.7688°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Ashtabula County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Ohio Regional (JFN)
5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 62.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
39 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 12, 2025.
| Sep 25, 1998 |
2 km SW of Adamsville, Pennsylvania |
M4.5 |
42 km |
| Jun 10, 2019 |
1 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M4.0 |
58 km |
| Jan 26, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.9 |
23 km |
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
72 km |
| Aug 28, 2023 |
7 km SE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
17 km |
| Jun 30, 2003 |
6 km NW of Perry, Ohio |
M3.6 |
36 km |
| Oct 16, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
21 km |
| Jun 20, 2006 |
9 km WNW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
40 km |
| Mar 15, 1992 |
15 km NW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
44 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Mayfield Heights, Ohio |
M3.4 |
61 km |
| Jun 3, 2001 |
3 km N of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.4 |
19 km |
| Jun 30, 2004 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.3 |
26 km |
| Jul 1, 2013 |
5 km NNW of Fairport Harbor, Ohio |
M3.2 |
44 km |
| Jan 9, 2008 |
6 km WNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
55 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
8 km NNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
52 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Apr 25, 2010 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.0 |
26 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
96 km |
| Aug 7, 2000 |
2 km S of Limaville, Ohio |
M2.9 |
93 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
229 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 65 fatalities, 812 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF5 |
68 km |
18 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
35 km |
16 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
98 km |
7 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
21 km |
12 |
| Jul 12, 1992 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1973 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1969 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1966 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 2.7 m (9 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1823 |
LAKE ERIE |
Unknown |
2.7 m |
— |
64 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
35°F (1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Jefferson has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 25°F in February to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.1").
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) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $961 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $736 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Jefferson
What is the population of Jefferson?
Jefferson has a population of 3,347 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,344 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Jefferson expensive to live in?
Jefferson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $47,469, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $189,500 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $958 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Jefferson safe?
The violent crime rate in Jefferson is 419 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 2,266 per 100,000 (above 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 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
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 $907. There are 2,250 business establishments in the area, including 245 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Jefferson?
The median home value in Jefferson is $189,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,799. For renters, the median monthly rent is $958. Fair market rent is $757 for a 1-bedroom and $973 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,978.
How are the schools in Jefferson?
Schools in Jefferson score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.8% of adults in Jefferson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.8% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Jefferson?
The obesity rate in Jefferson is 43.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 28.8% are physically inactive. 29.6% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 69.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,476.
What is transportation like in Jefferson?
The average commute in Jefferson is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Jefferson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Jefferson is 92.1% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 22.3% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
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