West Jefferson, NC
Population 1,567 · North Carolina
About West Jefferson, NC
West Jefferson is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,567 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,306 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.6 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 West Jefferson features a median home value of $217,900, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. This positions West Jefferson in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $517, 56% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 724 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (319 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (248 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West Jefferson shows an unemployment rate of 16.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West Jefferson have an average one-way commute time of 18.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.5% of West 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 4.0% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How West Jefferson Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in West Jefferson, NC
Compared to national averages, West Jefferson has a median household income of $54,306 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $217,900, which is 11% below the national median. Monthly rent at $517 is 56% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, West Jefferson's income is 16% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 5% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in West Jefferson, NC?
West Jefferson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $217,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $517/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,306) that falls below the national average. However, West Jefferson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Jefferson has a population of 1,567 with a median age of 43.6 years. Compare West Jefferson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near West Jefferson
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanfield | 1,554 | $81,375 | $302,400 | Compare |
| Pilot Mountain | 1,584 | $48,239 | $185,200 | Compare |
| Advance | 1,544 | $109,402 | $358,500 | Compare |
| Princeton | 1,543 | $36,656 | $165,800 | Compare |
| Biltmore Forest | 1,536 | $172,500 | $1,249,000 | Compare |
| Cove Creek | 1,533 | $53,898 | $247,700 | Compare |
| Bethel | 1,528 | $51,489 | $114,000 | Compare |
| Nebo | 1,608 | $47,907 | $104,100 | 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 West Jefferson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Jefferson
What is the population of West Jefferson, NC?
The population of West Jefferson, NC is 1,567 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 West Jefferson?
The median household income in West Jefferson, NC is $54,306 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Jefferson?
The median home value in West Jefferson, NC is $217,900, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West Jefferson?
The median monthly rent in West Jefferson, NC is $517, which is 56% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Jefferson?
The unemployment rate in West Jefferson, NC is 16.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West Jefferson, NC a good place to live?
West Jefferson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,567 and a median age of 43.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West Jefferson, NC?
15.5% of residents in West 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 West Jefferson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Jefferson, NC: median home value is $217,900 (11% below national), median rent is $517/month, and median household income is $54,306. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in West Jefferson?
The poverty rate in West Jefferson, NC is 15.3%, 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 West Jefferson, NC?
West Jefferson's population is 4.0% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 8.0% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.