Jefferson, IA
Population 4,164 · Iowa
About Jefferson, IA
Jefferson is a small community in Iowa with a population of 4,164 residents. The median household income is $54,286 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Jefferson is 51.5 years.
Housing in Jefferson has a median home value of $126,900 and median monthly rent of $745. Of the 2,286 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,485 owner-occupied and 623 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Jefferson is 1.5% and the poverty rate is 8.4%. 21.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 23.6 minutes.
Cost of Living in Jefferson, IA
Compared to national averages, Jefferson has a median household income of $54,286 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $126,900, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $745 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Jefferson's income is 20% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 4% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Jefferson, IA?
Jefferson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $126,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $745/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,286) that falls below the national average. However, Jefferson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Jefferson has a population of 4,164 with a median age of 51.5 years. Compare Jefferson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Jefferson
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlisle | 4,187 | $98,333 | $208,100 | Compare |
| Chariton | 4,235 | $52,109 | $84,200 | Compare |
| Rock Valley | 4,061 | $67,012 | $225,800 | Compare |
| Monticello | 4,055 | $67,788 | $160,500 | Compare |
| Forest City | 4,280 | $62,917 | $136,400 | Compare |
| Hampton | 4,311 | $48,922 | $91,900 | Compare |
| Dyersville | 4,357 | $72,768 | $219,800 | Compare |
| Cresco | 3,901 | $60,769 | $105,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Jefferson
What is the population of Jefferson, IA?
The population of Jefferson, IA is 4,164 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Jefferson?
The median household income in Jefferson, IA is $54,286 per year.
What is the median home value in Jefferson?
The median home value in Jefferson, IA is $126,900.
What is the average rent in Jefferson?
The median monthly rent in Jefferson, IA is $745.
What is the unemployment rate in Jefferson?
The unemployment rate in Jefferson, IA is 1.5%.