West Jefferson, NC
Population 1,567 · North Carolina
About West Jefferson, NC
West Jefferson is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 1,567 residents. The median household income is $54,306 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in West Jefferson is 43.6 years.
Housing in West Jefferson has a median home value of $217,900 and median monthly rent of $517. Of the 724 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 319 owner-occupied and 248 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in West Jefferson is 16.7% and the poverty rate is 15.3%. 15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.1 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in West Jefferson?
The median household income in West Jefferson, NC is $54,306 per year.
What is the median home value in West Jefferson?
The median home value in West Jefferson, NC is $217,900.
What is the average rent in West Jefferson?
The median monthly rent in West Jefferson, NC is $517.
What is the unemployment rate in West Jefferson?
The unemployment rate in West Jefferson, NC is 16.7%.