Jefferson
Ohio

What stands out

Three things set Jefferson County apart from the other 3,142 counties: winter sunshine is in the bottom 6% of American counties (-1.5 on the USDA scale), unemployment is in the top 7% of American counties (5.4%), and the median home price is in the bottom 9% of American counties ($131K). Within Ohio it ranks 29th of 88 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Jefferson County, Ohio. 65,280 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +244).

Ohio has a flat 2.75% income tax on income over $26,050 and exempts Social Security. Cities and school districts can add their own income taxes, so the total rate depends on the municipality. Home prices are well below the national average in all three major metros. Ohio has allowed permitless concealed carry since June 2022 and legalized recreational marijuana by ballot in 2023.

Money

The typical household here brings in $53,124 a year, lower than 72% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $51,142. Unemployment runs 5.4%, higher than 93% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

Ohio takes 1.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $745 a year.

Home

The median home costs $131K, cheaper than 91% of American counties, about 1.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $772 a month. Property tax is 1.04% of home value, roughly $1,198 a year on that median home, higher than 63% of American counties. 71% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 66% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 27 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 72.6 years, shorter than 83% of American counties. There are 107 active physicians in the county, about 16.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 6.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.21 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 70% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 32 points. 63% of eligible voters turned out. Under Ohio law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 51°F, highs near 61 and lows near 41, colder than 70% of American counties. About 33 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 49 out of 100, safer than 51% of American counties; the county has had 22 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 172 Mbps down, slower than 62% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.