Jefferson, NC
Population 1,852 · North Carolina
About Jefferson, NC
Jefferson is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,852 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,938 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Jefferson features a median home value of $186,300, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Jefferson in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $688, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 925 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (405 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (402 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Jefferson shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 25.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Jefferson have an average one-way commute time of 16.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.4% of Jefferson residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.9% Asian residents, with 6.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Jefferson, NC
Compared to national averages, Jefferson has a median household income of $35,938 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $186,300, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $688 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Jefferson's income is 44% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 19% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Jefferson, NC?
Jefferson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $186,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $688/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,938) 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 1,852 with a median age of 50.1 years. Compare Jefferson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Jefferson
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manteo | 1,853 | $78,594 | $384,100 | Compare |
| Bent Creek | 1,854 | $52,485 | $377,500 | Compare |
| Hildebran | 1,860 | $53,125 | $194,900 | Compare |
| Drexel | 1,862 | $58,824 | $204,600 | Compare |
| Mount Pleasant | 1,866 | $81,250 | $262,700 | Compare |
| Fairplains | 1,876 | $36,586 | $134,300 | Compare |
| Wanchese | 1,793 | $73,542 | $257,100 | Compare |
| Governors Club | 1,772 | $214,643 | $908,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Jefferson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Jefferson
What is the population of Jefferson, NC?
The population of Jefferson, NC is 1,852 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Jefferson?
The median household income in Jefferson, NC is $35,938 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Jefferson?
The median home value in Jefferson, NC is $186,300, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Jefferson?
The median monthly rent in Jefferson, NC is $688, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Jefferson?
The unemployment rate in Jefferson, NC is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Jefferson, NC a good place to live?
Jefferson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,852 and a median age of 50.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Jefferson, NC?
9.4% of residents in Jefferson aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Jefferson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Jefferson, NC: median home value is $186,300 (24% below national), median rent is $688/month, and median household income is $35,938. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Jefferson?
The poverty rate in Jefferson, NC is 25.7%, 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, NC?
Jefferson's population is 1.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.9% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 6.3% of residents are foreign-born.