Median Income
$77,095
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$222,100
21% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
112/100K
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.6%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,041
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Jefferson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,722
Median Age43.7 yrs
Density1,325/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$77,095
Per Capita$44,475
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$4,923M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$222,100
Rent$1,041
Ownership68.9%
Zillow$330,261
Housing Units3,513
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent112/100K
Property1,604/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault62/100K
Burglary112/100K
Health
Obesity41.8%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking14.5%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain37.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation798 ft (243 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.6%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+7.5%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute26 min
Broadband86.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries7
Is Jefferson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Jefferson receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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 high obesity rates. 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 $77,095, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. Only 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Jefferson is $222,100, 21% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,041 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x 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 112 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,604 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% 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 47°F. Winters average 19°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 37.0 inches, including 42.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Jefferson has a population of 7,722 with a density of 1,325 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age is 43.7 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (82.3%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.3% of residents, while 9.7% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.7yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Jefferson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.3%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.7%
28% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Jefferson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Jefferson is $77,095, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,475 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,042, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,344 business establishments, including 201 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 5.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Jefferson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,095 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,475 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,042 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,650 |
| Gini Index | 0.402 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,344 |
| County GDP | $4,923M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 201 |
| Healthcare | 218 |
| Retail | 277 |
| Manufacturing | 139 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,930 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 5.4% |
The median home value in Jefferson is $222,100, 21% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $330,261, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,041 (10% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $917 for a one-bedroom to $1,156 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,513 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $5,930 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $222,100 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $330,261 |
| Median List Price | $469,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $469,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $179 |
| Homes Sold | 12 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 13 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,041 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $917 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,156 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,536 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.1% |
| Housing Units | 3,513 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,930 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.67% |
In Jefferson, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 27.9% are physically inactive. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,574. The dentist ratio is 1:1,589. 74.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Jefferson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.9% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,574 |
| Dentists | 1:1,589 |
| Mental Health | 1:841 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,008/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 218 |
Jefferson has a violent crime rate of 112 per 100,000 residents, 71% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 62.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 49.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,604 per 100,000, 18% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,293, burglary at 112, vehicle theft at 199 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 8 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 | 111.9/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 49.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 62.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,604.1/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
| Burglary | 111.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,293.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 199.0/100K |
| Arson | 12.4/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Jefferson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 19°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 37.0 inches. The area receives 42.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. 89% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 798 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.4°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 798 ft (243 m) |
| Area | 5.9 sq mi (15.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,325/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0040°N, 88.8085°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dane County Regional/Truax Field (MSN) 28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.0"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 89.3% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Mar 25, 2015.
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
118 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
557 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 55 fatalities, 1,362 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
95 km |
9 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
36 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1981 |
EF4 |
68 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
88 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
6 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,524 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
60 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
60 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
63 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
60 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
87 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
612 |
65 km |
| 2007 |
TOWER RD 2 |
592 |
60 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
7 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Jefferson has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.1").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Jefferson
What is the population of Jefferson?
Jefferson has a population of 7,722 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 1,325 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Jefferson expensive to live in?
Jefferson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $77,095, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $222,100 (21% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,041 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, 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 112 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,604 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 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°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 37.0 inches, with 42.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Jefferson?
The job market in Jefferson is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,042. There are 2,344 business establishments in the area, including 201 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 5.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Jefferson?
The median home value in Jefferson is $222,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $330,261. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,041. Fair market rent is $917 for a 1-bedroom and $1,156 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,930.
How are the schools in Jefferson?
Schools in Jefferson score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.6% of adults in Jefferson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 7.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Jefferson?
The obesity rate in Jefferson is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 27.9% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 74.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,574.
What is transportation like in Jefferson?
The average commute in Jefferson is 26 minutes. 81.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Jefferson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Jefferson is 82.3% White, 1.8% Black or African American. 90.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.7% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.