Jefferson City, MO
Population 42,565 · Missouri
About Jefferson City, MO
Jefferson City is a mid-sized city in Missouri with a population of 42,565 residents. The median household income is $67,205 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Jefferson City is 39.1 years.
Housing in Jefferson City has a median home value of $208,000 and median monthly rent of $766. Of the 19,051 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 10,102 owner-occupied and 7,056 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Jefferson City is 3.2% and the poverty rate is 12.5%. 36.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 15.6 minutes.
How Jefferson City Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Jefferson City, MO
Compared to national averages, Jefferson City has a median household income of $67,205 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $208,000, which is 15% below the national median. Monthly rent at $766 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Jefferson City's income is 10% above the state average of $61,047, and home values are 38% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Jefferson City, MO?
Jefferson City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $208,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $766/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 36.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 15.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,205) that falls below the national average. However, Jefferson City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Jefferson City has a population of 42,565 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare Jefferson City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Jefferson City
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau | 40,047 | $54,870 | $186,100 | Compare |
| Wentzville | 45,734 | $111,409 | $302,700 | Compare |
| Chesterfield | 49,591 | $133,380 | $458,000 | Compare |
| Wildwood | 35,168 | $157,750 | $472,800 | Compare |
| Oakville | 35,166 | $103,125 | $292,500 | Compare |
| University City | 34,655 | $76,466 | $285,100 | Compare |
| Florissant | 51,915 | $66,344 | $136,200 | Compare |
| Joplin | 52,218 | $51,154 | $159,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Jefferson City
What is the population of Jefferson City, MO?
The population of Jefferson City, MO is 42,565 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Jefferson City?
The median household income in Jefferson City, MO is $67,205 per year.
What is the median home value in Jefferson City?
The median home value in Jefferson City, MO is $208,000.
What is the average rent in Jefferson City?
The median monthly rent in Jefferson City, MO is $766.
What is the unemployment rate in Jefferson City?
The unemployment rate in Jefferson City, MO is 3.2%.