MissouriPop. 42,488Small cities
Is Jefferson City a Good Place to Live? Jefferson City, Missouri: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Jefferson City ranks #621 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #115 of 208 small cities and #13 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($802/mo, #5 of 208) and short commutes (15.5 min, #20 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.5%, #153 of 182) and low graduation rates (82%, #154 of 191).
Jefferson City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Jefferson City's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Jefferson City?
Jefferson City's cost of living index is 88, 12% below the US level of 100 and #136 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $802/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $280,966, 5% above the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
| Measure | Jefferson City | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 88#136 of 1,308 | 90.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $280,966#328 of 1,187 | $267,879 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,017/mo#27 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $218,700#292 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $802/mo#25 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 14.5%#46 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Jefferson City housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Jefferson City is in the Jefferson City, MO metro.
Missouri housing market →Is Jefferson City safe?
Jefferson City recorded 348 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 6% above the US rate of 328 and 17% below Missouri's 418. That ranks #632 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #109 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jefferson City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,802 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Jefferson City | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 348#632 of 1,085 | 418 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,802#625 of 1,085 | 1,644 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Jefferson City?
The median household in Jefferson City earns $66,371, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 12% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Jefferson City | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $66,371#896 of 1,312 | $71,589 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 4% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 12%#651 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.5%#952 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Jefferson City?
The median resident of Jefferson City is 38.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 38.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #502 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Jefferson City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 38.9 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 38.7%#502 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 59.2% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Jefferson City's schools and health?
Jefferson City's 13 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 12 students per teacher and $12,522 spent per pupil. 37.1% of adults are obese and 11% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Jefferson City | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 82%#809 of 1,063 | 89.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 12#91 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,522#872 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 37.1%#954 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11%#624 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 8.2%#400 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,507 students are enrolled in Jefferson City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Jefferson City?
The average commute in Jefferson City is 15.5 minutes (Missouri 24); 0.7% of workers take transit and 10.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Jefferson City scores 8.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.9°F and winters 34.7°F, with 39.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Jefferson City | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 15.5 min#75 of 1,312 | 24 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 1.8%#34 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 74.2% | 74.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.7% | 1% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.8% | 1.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 10.4% | 11.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.4#956 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41.1 | 22.5 | 2 |
| Feb | 46.7 | 26.2 | 1.9 |
| Mar | 57.7 | 34.8 | 2.9 |
| Apr | 68.2 | 45 | 4.4 |
| May | 76.9 | 55.1 | 4.9 |
| Jun | 85.4 | 64.9 | 3.6 |
| Jul | 88.9 | 68.5 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 87.6 | 66.3 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 80.4 | 57.2 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 69.5 | 45.7 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 56.5 | 34.8 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 45.3 | 26.3 | 2.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jefferson City Mem Airport.
| Measure | Jefferson City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 56.3°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 76.9°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 34.7°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 39.7 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jefferson City Mem Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Jefferson City?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Jefferson City's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cole County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, winter weather, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
| Measure | Jefferson City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#642 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Cole County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Cole County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0067% | 90% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0012% | 83% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0087% | 77% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.097% | 67% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0012% | 59% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0023% | 55% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0099% | 54% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0016% | 44% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Jefferson City compare with similar-size cities?
Jefferson City is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #115 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 42,488.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #621 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 | 15.5 min |
| Woonsocket, RIPop. 43,521 | #936 | 51.2 | $61,059 | $1,161/mo | 371 | 29.3 min |
| Post Falls, IDPop. 43,391 | #502 | 58.0 | $82,183 | $1,469/mo | 168 | 24.1 min |
| Altoona, PAPop. 43,196 | #724 | 54.6 | $51,250 | $819/mo | 285 | 17.9 min |
| Sumter, SCPop. 43,053 | #1227 | 43.8 | $55,592 | $1,076/mo | 710 | 19.6 min |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #128 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 | 19.2 min |
| Shelton, CTPop. 41,889 | #137 | 66.9 | $108,185 | $1,741/mo | 32 | 30.3 min |
| Florence, ALPop. 41,701 | #915 | 51.5 | $52,174 | $820/mo | 543 | 18.7 min |
| Brookfield, WIPop. 41,273 | #34 | 71.8 | $129,548 | $1,886/mo | 63 | 20.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Jefferson City compare with the rest of Missouri?
Jefferson City ranks #13 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 56.4 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 7% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 17% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above the typical Missouri home.
| City | Rank in MO | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesterfield, MOPop. 49,574 | #1 | 70.5 | $133,037 | $1,644/mo | 120 |
| Wildwood, MOPop. 35,133 | #2 | 67.6 | $161,060 | $1,661/mo | no data |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #3 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #4 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #5 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #6 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 |
| University City, MOPop. 34,685 | #7 | 63.2 | $80,694 | $1,319/mo | 319 |
| St. Charles, MOPop. 71,508 | #8 | 63.0 | $85,937 | $1,251/mo | 184 |
| Oakville, MOPop. 35,333 | #9 | 61.4 | $106,362 | $1,091/mo | no data |
| Blue Springs, MOPop. 59,965 | #10 | 61.0 | $88,920 | $1,277/mo | 228 |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #11 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #12 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 |
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #13 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #14 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #15 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 |
| Cape Girardeau, MOPop. 40,344 | #16 | 49.4 | $55,658 | $876/mo | 467 |
| St. Joseph, MOPop. 71,236 | #17 | 47.8 | $57,956 | $898/mo | 500 |
| Joplin, MOPop. 52,593 | #18 | 47.5 | $52,097 | $962/mo | 559 |
| Springfield, MOPop. 169,954 | #19 | 46.4 | $49,311 | $964/mo | 1,233 |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #20 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 |
All 20 Missouri cities we track, by overall score. Missouri statewide: median income $71,589, violent crime 417.8 per 100,000.
How is Jefferson City's score calculated?
Jefferson City scores 56.4 out of 100, #621 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Missouri's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Jefferson City. Similar-size median 52.9.
52.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Jefferson City's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
71.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Jefferson City. Similar-size median 52.2.
51.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Jefferson City's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
56.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Jefferson City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
85.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Jefferson City. Similar-size median 46.7.
47.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Jefferson City. Similar-size median 44.2.
38.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Jefferson City. Similar-size median 47.3.
52.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Jefferson City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
38.9 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
53.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Jefferson City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Jefferson City has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Jefferson City
Is Jefferson City, MO a good place to live?
Jefferson City ranks #621 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #115 of 208 small cities and #13 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($802/mo, #5 of 208) and short commutes (15.5 min, #20 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.5%, #153 of 182) and low graduation rates (82%, #154 of 191).
What is the cost of living in Jefferson City?
Jefferson City's cost of living index is 88, 12% below the US level of 100 and #136 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $802/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $280,966, 5% above the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
What is the crime rate in Jefferson City?
Jefferson City recorded 348 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 6% above the US rate of 328 and 17% below Missouri's 418. That ranks #632 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #109 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jefferson City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,802 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Jefferson City?
The median household in Jefferson City earns $66,371, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 12% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Jefferson City?
Median rent in Jefferson City is $802/mo (Census), #25 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,017/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 14.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Jefferson City?
The typical home value in Jefferson City is $280,966, up 7.7% in a year, against $267,879 for Missouri and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $218,700.
How are the public schools in Jefferson City?
Jefferson City's 13 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 12 students per teacher and $12,522 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Jefferson City?
The average commute is 15.5 minutes, #75 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across Missouri. 1.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Jefferson City?
Jefferson City averages 56.3°F over the year, 76.9°F in summer and 34.7°F in winter, with 39.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Jefferson City walkable?
Jefferson City scores 8.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Jefferson City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cole County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, winter weather, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
Who lives in Jefferson City?
Jefferson City has 42,488 residents. The median resident of Jefferson City is 38.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 38.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #502 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Jefferson City compare with the rest of Missouri?
Jefferson City ranks #13 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 56.4 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 7% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 17% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above the typical Missouri home.
What cities are similar in size to Jefferson City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Jefferson City's population of 42,488 are Woonsocket, RI (#936 overall), Post Falls, ID (#502 overall), Altoona, PA (#724 overall), Sumter, SC (#1227 overall), and Marion, IA (#128 overall). Jefferson City is #621.