Jefferson
Missouri

What stands out

Three things set Jefferson County apart from the other 3,142 counties: unemployment is in the bottom 12% of American counties (2.4%), natural-hazard risk is in the top 13% of American counties (87 of 100), and the median household income is in the top 15% of American counties ($77,217). Within Missouri it ranks 31st of 115 counties for unemployment, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Jefferson County, Missouri. 226,984 people live here with you. The population grew 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +2,022).

Missouri stopped taxing Social Security and public pensions for all residents in 2024 and has been cutting its top income-tax rate toward 4.5%. Home prices are well below the national average in both Kansas City and St. Louis. The state's property tax on vehicles, paid every year, surprises new arrivals; tornado exposure is high across the state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $77,217 a year, higher than 85% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $49,615. Unemployment runs 2.4%, lower than 88% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Missouri takes 4.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,449 a year.

Home

The median home costs $296K, pricier than 68% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $893 a month. Property tax is 0.86% of home value, roughly $1,750 a year on that median home, higher than 50% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 51% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 29 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 75.3 years, shorter than 57% of American counties. There are 151 active physicians in the county, about 6.7 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 7.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.23 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 78% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 27 points. 68% of eligible voters turned out. Under Missouri law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 57°F, highs near 68 and lows near 46, warmer than 56% of American counties. About 38 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 87 out of 100, riskier than 87% of American counties; the county has had 30 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 262 Mbps down, faster than 80% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries.