Jefferson 79 Exceptional
Jefferson Livability #115 ranked city in Iowa#2,186 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Jefferson

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

What's it like Living in Jefferson?

Located in the state of Iowa, Jefferson is a small-sized city with a population of 4,217 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 95% of Jefferson residents are White, 1% Black and 0% Asian.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Jefferson, Iowa could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Jefferson and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.

The livability score in Jefferson is 78 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 91st percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Jefferson would be considered a very livable city! Jefferson also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the grades for each individual category, Jefferson has received high marks for crime (B+), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (A). On a less positive note, Jefferson does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Jefferson shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 98 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

The Jefferson unemployment rate of 1.4% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Jefferson apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Jefferson. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Jefferson are affordable. The median home price for Jefferson homes is $159,702, which is 33.5% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Jefferson, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 20% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Jefferson

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Compare Jefferson, IA Livability

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      Jefferson transportation information

      Statistic Jefferson Iowa National
      Average one way commute22min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work80.2%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.3%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.7%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk7.5%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home5.2%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Jefferson, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.