Cost of Living in Jefferson, IA
Population 4,164 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Jefferson sits on the smaller end of the Iowa city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 50 miles northwest of Des Moines, Jefferson is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 31% lower than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Jefferson
The median home value in Jefferson is $126,900 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $745/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,286/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Jefferson has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
Jefferson has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Jefferson, IA?
Jefferson has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Jefferson, IA?
The median gross rent in Jefferson is $745 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Jefferson?
The median home value in Jefferson is $126,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Jefferson?
The median household income in Jefferson is $54,286 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Jefferson, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Jefferson is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Jefferson, IA affordable?
Yes, Jefferson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
Jefferson at a Glance
- Population
- 4,164
- Median Income
- $54,286
- Home Value
- $126,900
- Median Rent
- $745/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.5%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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