Jefferson City, MO
Population 42,565 · Missouri
About Jefferson City, MO
Jefferson City is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 42,565 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,205 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Jefferson City features a median home value of $208,000, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Jefferson City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $766, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 19,051 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (10,102 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (7,056 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Jefferson City shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Jefferson City have an average one-way commute time of 15.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
36.9% of Jefferson City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.1% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Jefferson City With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Jefferson City?
The median household income in Jefferson City, MO is $67,205 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Jefferson City?
The median home value in Jefferson City, MO is $208,000, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Jefferson City?
The median monthly rent in Jefferson City, MO is $766, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Jefferson City?
The unemployment rate in Jefferson City, MO is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Jefferson City, MO a good place to live?
Jefferson City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 42,565 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Jefferson City, MO?
36.9% of residents in Jefferson City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Jefferson City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Jefferson City, MO: median home value is $208,000 (15% below national), median rent is $766/month, and median household income is $67,205. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Jefferson City?
The poverty rate in Jefferson City, MO is 12.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Jefferson City, MO?
Jefferson City's population is 3.1% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 17.3% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.