Home Value
$76,900
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
421/100K
11% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.5%
87% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$621
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.2%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
54.5%
340% higher than US avg
How Jefferson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population653
Median Age30.5 yrs
Density1,979/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans2.0%
Economy
Per Capita$18,457
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty54.5%
County GDP$3,832M
Commute18 min
Housing
Home Value$76,900
Rent$621
Ownership31.5%
Zillow$119,684
Housing Units314
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent421/100K
Property3,981/100K
Health
Obesity44.2%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking24.7%
Depression32.9%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Sunny Days297/yr
Elevation587 ft (179 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.5%
High School+81.6%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.37
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute18 min
Broadband96.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Jefferson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Jefferson receives an overall livability score of 1.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Jefferson faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 54.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Jefferson is $76,900, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $621 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 421 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,981 per 100,000, 103% above the national average.
Education
4.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.6% 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 54°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 297 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Jefferson has a population of 653 with a density of 1,979 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 30.5 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.6% female and 57.4% male. The city is predominantly White (76.4%), with 22.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 2.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.5yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Jefferson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Jefferson vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $18,457 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,238, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 54.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,894 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Jefferson vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $18,457 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,238 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,515 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 54.5% |
| 340% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,894 |
| County GDP | $3,832M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 137 |
| Retail | 171 |
| Manufacturing | 45 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,677 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Jefferson is $76,900, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,684, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $621 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $953 for a one-bedroom to $1,251 for a two-bedroom apartment. 31.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 314 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $2,677 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,900 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $119,684 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $621 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $947 |
| 1 Bedroom | $953 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,251 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,099 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 31.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 31.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 68.5% |
| Housing Units | 314 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,677 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.48% |
In Jefferson, 44.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 44.0% have high blood pressure. 24.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.6% report binge drinking. 36.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 32.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:954. The dentist ratio is 1:2,376. 67.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Jefferson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.2% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.0% |
| Asthma | 12.9% |
| COPD | 10.3% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.7% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.0% |
| Depression | 32.9% |
| Mental Distress | 25.3% |
| Physical Distress | 17.8% |
| Short Sleep | 43.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:954 |
| Dentists | 1:2,376 |
| Mental Health | 1:919 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.0% |
| Dental Visits | 51.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,065/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 137 |
Jefferson has a violent crime rate of 421 per 100,000 residents, 11% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,981 per 100,000, 103% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 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 | 420.9/100K |
| 11% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,980.6/100K |
| 103% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Jefferson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 297 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 587 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.4°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 297 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 587 ft (179 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,979/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3771°N, 81.7869°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Putnam County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.88"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
49 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.8 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
147 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
80 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
73 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
88 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
92 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
116 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
43 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
106 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
116 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
64 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
92 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
95 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 9 fatalities, 179 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
95 km |
7 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
7 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2003 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2000 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1967 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
3 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRUSHY (61,231 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
90 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
54 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
74 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
80 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
28 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
59 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
88 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
52 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
75 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
35 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
68 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
69 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
61 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
74 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
48 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Jefferson has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 32°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.9") and October the driest (2.8").
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) |
$224 ($134–$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179–$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90–$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716–$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134–$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358–$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90–$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134–$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580–$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358–$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923–$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448–$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475–$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790–$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716–$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179–$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895–$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69–$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24–$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24–$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69–$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58–$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72–$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67–$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074–$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537–$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448–$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179–$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358–$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475–$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90–$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $707 |
| Toddler | $673 |
| Preschool | $706 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $657 |
| Toddler | $731 |
| Preschool | $780 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Jefferson
What is the population of Jefferson?
Jefferson has a population of 653 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 1,979 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.6% female and 57.4% male.
Is Jefferson expensive to live in?
Jefferson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $76,900 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $621 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Jefferson safe?
The violent crime rate in Jefferson is 421 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 3,981 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 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 297 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. 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 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,238. There are 1,894 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Jefferson?
The median home value in Jefferson is $76,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,684. For renters, the median monthly rent is $621. Fair market rent is $953 for a 1-bedroom and $1,251 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 31.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,677.
How are the schools in Jefferson?
Schools in Jefferson score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.5% of adults in Jefferson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.6% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Jefferson?
The obesity rate in Jefferson is 44.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.7% of adults are smokers. 36.0% are physically inactive. 32.9% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 67.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:954.
What is transportation like in Jefferson?
The average commute in Jefferson is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Jefferson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Jefferson is 76.4% White, 22.7% Black or African American. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 2.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
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