Median Income
$81,149
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$177,900
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.8%
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.5%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
7.3%
103% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.0%
76% lower than US avg
How Jefferson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population717
Median Age34.0 yrs
Density1,406/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$81,149
Per Capita$32,917
Unemployment7.3%
Poverty3.0%
County GDP$2,419M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$177,900
Ownership86.7%
Zillow$381,889
Housing Units293
Rent Burden17.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property186/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary186/100K
Health
Obesity31.5%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking14.4%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain28.0 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,115 ft (340 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.8%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute24 min
Broadband94.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Jefferson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Jefferson receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. 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 $81,149, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 3.0% 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 $177,900, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.2x 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 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 186 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
24.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Jefferson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Jefferson has a population of 717 with a density of 1,406 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 34.0 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.6% female and 53.4% male. The city is predominantly White (90.2%), with 4.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.8% of residents. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.0yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Jefferson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.8%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.2%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Jefferson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Jefferson is $81,149, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,917 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,144, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 504 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Jefferson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,149 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,917 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,144 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,044 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.3% |
| 103% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.0% |
| 76% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 504 |
| County GDP | $2,419M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 39 |
| Retail | 60 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,248 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Jefferson is $177,900, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $381,889, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.4% of their list price. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 293 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,248 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $177,900 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $381,889 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $104 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.3% |
| Housing Units | 293 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,248 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.39% |
In Jefferson, 31.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 20.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.5% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,080. The dentist ratio is 1:3,006. 86.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Jefferson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.5% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,080 |
| Dentists | 1:3,006 |
| Mental Health | 1:394 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 70.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,312/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Jefferson has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 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 186 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 186, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Jefferson receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Jefferson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 185.5/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| Burglary | 185.5/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Jefferson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 291 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 28.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,115 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.8°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,115 ft (340 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,406/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6043°N, 96.5661°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dakota County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.0"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
81 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
123 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
122 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
646 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 227 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
97 km |
4 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Jefferson has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.5").
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) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,055 |
| Toddler | $979 |
| Preschool | $888 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Jefferson
What is the population of Jefferson?
Jefferson has a population of 717 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,406 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.6% female and 53.4% male.
Is Jefferson expensive to live in?
Jefferson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $81,149, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $177,900 (37% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, 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 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 186 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Jefferson receives a safety grade of C+ 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 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Jefferson?
The unemployment rate in Jefferson is 7.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,144. There are 504 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Jefferson?
The median home value in Jefferson is $177,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $381,889. The homeownership rate is 86.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,248.
How are the schools in Jefferson?
Schools in Jefferson score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.8% of adults in Jefferson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Jefferson?
The obesity rate in Jefferson is 31.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 20.6% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 86.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,080.
What is transportation like in Jefferson?
The average commute in Jefferson is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Jefferson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Jefferson is 90.2% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino. 95.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.2% speak Spanish. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 8.4% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
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