Median Income
$64,321
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$180,000
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
24/100K
94% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.3%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$964
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.6%
23% lower than US avg
How West Jefferson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,250
Median Age38.1 yrs
Density425/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,321
Per Capita$31,328
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty9.6%
County GDP$2,974M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$180,000
Rent$964
Ownership74.5%
Zillow$259,058
Housing Units1,710
Rent Burden29.9%
Crime
F
Violent24/100K
Property2,595/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault24/100K
Burglary684/100K
Health
Obesity36.0%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking16.2%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.8 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation966 ft (294 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.3%
High School+89.9%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score5.92
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute25 min
Broadband96.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is West Jefferson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Jefferson receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. West Jefferson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Jefferson is $64,321, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. 9.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Jefferson is $180,000, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $964 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
West Jefferson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 24 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,595 per 100,000, 32% above the national average.
Education
14.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
West Jefferson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.8 inches, including 18.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
West Jefferson has a population of 4,250 with a density of 425 people per square mile, spread across 10.0 square miles. The median age is 38.1 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (95.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.1yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Jefferson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
Social Characteristics
West Jefferson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Jefferson is $64,321, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,328 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,042, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,050 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Jefferson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,321 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,328 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,042 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,809 |
| Gini Index | 0.386 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,050 |
| County GDP | $2,974M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 66 |
| Retail | 112 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,935 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in West Jefferson is $180,000, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,058, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $964 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,710 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $4,935 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $180,000 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $259,058 |
| Median List Price | $254,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $254,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $197 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.2% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $964 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,710 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,935 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.74% |
In West Jefferson, 36.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 19.4% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,170. The dentist ratio is 1:3,349. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West Jefferson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.0% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,170 |
| Dentists | 1:3,349 |
| Mental Health | 1:796 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,956/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 66 |
West Jefferson has a violent crime rate of 24 per 100,000 residents, 94% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 23.6 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 2,595 per 100,000, 32% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,887, burglary at 684, vehicle theft at 24 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, West Jefferson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: West Jefferson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 23.6/100K |
| 94% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 23.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,595.0/100K |
| 32% above US avg |
| Burglary | 684.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,887.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 23.6/100K |
| Arson | 23.6/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 175 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
West Jefferson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 293 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 40.8 inches. The area receives 18.3 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 966 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.8°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 966 ft (294 m) |
| Area | 10.0 sq mi (25.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 425/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.9494°N, 83.3084°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Madison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rickenbacker International (LCK) 22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.8"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
93 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
110 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
105 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
110 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Nov 25, 1998 |
1 km SSW of New London, Ohio |
M2.7 |
146 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
102 km |
| Mar 8, 2016 |
0 km N of Thurman, Ohio |
M2.6 |
138 km |
| Jan 26, 2018 |
7 km NNW of Vincent, Ohio |
M2.5 |
148 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
131 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
443 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 52 fatalities, 1,879 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
73 km |
36 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2000 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
97 km |
3 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 14, 2014 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1993 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
70 km |
4 |
| May 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1970 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1965 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1961 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
2.8 in |
|
West Jefferson has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 28°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in West 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 West Jefferson
What is the population of West Jefferson?
West Jefferson has a population of 4,250 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 425 people per square mile, spread across 10.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.1 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is West Jefferson expensive to live in?
West 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 $64,321, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $180,000 (36% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $964 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is West Jefferson safe?
West Jefferson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 24 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,595 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, West Jefferson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in West Jefferson?
West Jefferson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.8 inches, with 18.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in West Jefferson?
The job market in West Jefferson is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,042. There are 1,050 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Jefferson?
The median home value in West Jefferson is $180,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,058. For renters, the median monthly rent is $964. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,935.
How are the schools in West Jefferson?
Schools in West Jefferson score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.3% of adults in West Jefferson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Jefferson?
The obesity rate in West Jefferson is 36.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,170.
What is transportation like in West Jefferson?
The average commute in West Jefferson is 25 minutes. 81.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Jefferson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Jefferson is 95.7% White. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.