Jefferson, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Jefferson, Iowa had a total population of 4,152, the 101st largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $58,895, which is 22% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%.
Jefferson Quick Facts
How Jefferson Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,164 | 4,152 | -0.3% |
| Median household income | $54,286 | $58,895 | +8.5% |
| Median home value | $126,900 | $155,800 | +22.8% |
How Jefferson Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 31 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Jefferson Rankings in Iowa
Explore Iowa Rankings
Other Cities in Greene County
Cities Similar to Jefferson
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cresco | 3,908 | $60,608 | $117,200 | 20.7% | 13.4% |
| Evansdale | 4,518 | $60,397 | $150,300 | 10.3% | 24.0% |
| Waukon | 3,792 | $60,269 | $147,200 | 25.7% | 10.0% |
| Monticello | 4,071 | $70,015 | $175,200 | 19.7% | 5.9% |
| Forest City | 4,290 | $69,205 | $143,500 | 29.2% | 12.4% |
Population Overview
Jefferson is a small community located in Iowa, within Greene County. The total population is 4,152. It ranks as the 101st most populous out of 1,017 Census-designated places in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Jefferson is 53.6 years. This is 39% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 16.6% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Jefferson is $58,895. This is 22% lower than the state median of $75,059. It is also 27% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%. This is 34% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.1%. The unemployment rate is 1.1%. This is 68% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $155,800. Housing costs are 25% lower than the state median of $208,000. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Jefferson is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 74.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% higher than the state average of 71.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
Jefferson has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.5%. The Black or African American population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 3.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.5%) is well below the state average of 7.3%.
Education
21.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 33% lower than the state rate of 31.4%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Jefferson, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,017 Census-designated places in Iowa. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Jefferson, Iowa?
Jefferson, Iowa has a population of 4,152 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Jefferson, IA?
The median household income in Jefferson is $58,895, which is 27% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Jefferson, IA?
The poverty rate in Jefferson is 7.3%. This means approximately 298 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Jefferson, Iowa?
Jefferson's population is 93.8% White, 0.2% Black, 3.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Jefferson, IA?
The median home value in Jefferson is $155,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is Jefferson, Iowa?
21.1% of adults (25+) in Jefferson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.