CountyScore

Jefferson County

Iowa · IA

#73 in Iowa
67.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Iowa

Jefferson County leads the national pack

Jefferson County's composite score of 67.4 towers 35% above the national median of 50.0, ranking it among high-performing U.S. counties. This advantage reflects strong housing affordability and low tax burdens that benefit households across income levels.

Solid performer but below Iowa average

Jefferson County scores 67.4, trailing Iowa's state average of 69.3 by roughly 1.9 points. While still competitive within the state, it ranks among the lower-middle tier of Iowa counties on the composite index.

Risk management and affordability shine

Jefferson County's risk score of 73.0 is one of its strongest assets, suggesting good economic stability and resilience for residents. Housing remains highly affordable with a cost score of 78.6 and median home values of $161,200, plus a tax rate of just 1.487%.

Income is a significant constraint

The income score of 20.5 is Jefferson County's most pressing weakness, with a median household income of just $56,824—among Iowa's lowest. This limited earning potential may restrict long-term financial growth and housing upgrade options for ambitious families.

Perfect for economic stability seekers

Jefferson County attracts people prioritizing financial safety and low cost of living over maximum earning potential. Its strong risk score and exceptional affordability make it ideal for retirees, those on fixed incomes, and anyone seeking a low-stress, economically resilient community.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax60.4Cost78.6SafetyComing SoonHealth73.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.5Risk73WaterComing Soon
🏛60.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡73
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Jefferson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Faulkner County
Arkansas
67.4
Median income: $65,071
Randolph County
Georgia
67.4
Median income: $25,425
Talbot County
Georgia
67.4
Median income: $45,098
Fayette County
Illinois
67.4
Median income: $57,113
Hancock County
Illinois
67.4
Median income: $65,044

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson County: high tax burden nationally

Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 1.487% exceeds the national median, placing homeowners in a higher-tax region despite owning homes worth 43% less than the national average. The median property tax of $2,397 still falls below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the lower home values here.

Third-highest taxes in Iowa

Jefferson County ranks in the top tier of Iowa's 99 counties with an effective rate of 1.487%, well above the state average of 1.344%. The median tax bill of $2,397 significantly exceeds Iowa's state median of $2,160 by $237 annually.

Heaviest tax burden in the region

Jefferson County carries the highest effective tax rate among its peers, surpassing Jackson (1.252%), Jones (1.298%), Jasper (1.424%), and Kossuth (1.064%) counties. This makes Jefferson notably less tax-friendly than surrounding regional competitors.

What $161,200 home costs annually

On Jefferson County's median home value of $161,200, homeowners pay approximately $2,397 in annual property taxes. Whether you hold a mortgage or own outright, the tax bill remains consistent around $2,400 due to the county's uniform assessment approach.

You might be overpaying on taxes

Many Iowa homeowners are assessed above fair market value and don't realize they can appeal their assessments. If you believe your home's valuation is too high, a formal appeal could reduce your tax burden significantly—it's free to file.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson faces a national affordability challenge

Jefferson County residents dedicate 18.6% of income to rent—nearly 40% higher than the acceptable 30% affordability threshold and significantly above the national average. With a median household income of $56,824, residents earn substantially less than the national average of $74,755, creating a genuine affordability strain.

Jefferson struggles compared to Iowa peers

At 18.6%, Jefferson's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Iowa's highest, far exceeding the state average of 14.1% by 4.5 percentage points. The $881 monthly rent is above Iowa's median, but the real problem is the combination of higher rents and lower household incomes unique to this county.

Jefferson's affordability lag is clear in the region

Jefferson's 18.6% ratio significantly outpaces nearby Jackson (13.4%), Jones (12.5%), and Jasper (14.1%), making it the region's least affordable county. The $881 rent isn't dramatically higher, but the lower local income base ($56,824) creates disproportionate pressure on household budgets.

Housing costs strain Jefferson's family budgets

Renters spend $881 monthly (18.6% of the $56,824 median income), leaving limited resources for food, transportation, and healthcare. Homeowners fare somewhat better at $915 monthly, but both groups face tighter housing-cost constraints than neighboring counties with similar home values.

Relocating to Jefferson requires higher income

Jefferson County offers lower home values ($161,200) and reasonable ownership costs, making it viable for remote workers or retirees with outside income. If your job and income are mobile, consider more affordable Jackson or Jones counties—or ensure your income aligns with Jefferson's local wage levels before moving.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson lags U.S. income average

Jefferson County's median household income of $56,824 trails the national median of $74,755 by $17,931, or 24%. This gap signals economic challenges that require targeted local attention to wage growth and job quality.

Among Iowa's lower-income counties

At $56,824, Jefferson ranks well below Iowa's statewide median of $69,830—a shortfall of $12,906. The county faces greater income pressure than most Iowa communities, placing it in the lower third of the state's 99 counties.

Significantly trails surrounding counties

Jefferson's $56,824 income falls dramatically behind Jackson ($71,605), Jones ($73,071), and Jasper ($70,128), representing a 15–28% income gap versus neighbors. Only Keokuk ($60,856) and Lee ($59,803) come close, indicating a broader economic challenge in the region.

Housing costs strain budgets

Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% indicates housing consumes nearly one-fifth of median income—the highest burden among its peers and approaching the affordability danger zone. Combined with a $161,200 median home value, homeownership requires careful financial planning.

Prioritize income stability first

Jefferson County households should focus first on skill development and career advancement to raise earnings above the county median. Once income stabilizes, even modest monthly savings into employer retirement plans or low-cost index funds builds wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

Jefferson County faces steeper health challenges

At 77.1 years, Jefferson County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by only a small margin, but lags Iowa's state average. The county's 17.0% poor or fair health rate approaches the national average of 18%, signaling resident health concerns that warrant attention.

Below average for Iowa's standard

Jefferson County's 77.1-year life expectancy falls 0.6 years below Iowa's 77.7-year state average, placing it in the lower half of Iowa counties. Its 17.0% poor or fair health rate is one of the highest in the state, reflecting significant self-reported health challenges.

Struggles compared to nearby counties

Jefferson County's 17.0% poor or fair health rate exceeds Jackson County's 16.3% and Jasper County's 13.8%, making it a relative health outlier. However, Jefferson County compensates with 77 primary care providers per 100K—more than double Jackson County's ratio—and 220 mental health providers per 100K.

Uninsured rate demands attention

At 7.8%, Jefferson County's uninsured rate is notably higher than Iowa's 5.7% average and higher than all neighboring counties, creating barriers to preventive care. The county does offer strong provider density with 77 primary care and 220 mental health professionals per 100K, suggesting infrastructure exists if residents can access it.

Help is available—take it

If you're among Jefferson County's uninsured residents, enrollment assistance is available. Contact your local health department or visit healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health programs that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson County ranks among nation's safest

Jefferson County's composite risk score of 27.07 sits well below the national average of 39.68, earning a very low risk rating. The county experiences substantially lower natural disaster exposure than most American communities.

Iowa's lowest-risk county overall

Jefferson County scores 27.07, significantly below Iowa's state average of 39.68, making it the safest county in the state. The county's very low rating reflects minimal exposure across most major hazard categories.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Jefferson County's score of 27.07 is notably lower than neighboring Jackson County (36.07) and substantially below Lee County (62.95). The county stands out as a relative haven from natural disaster risk in southeastern Iowa.

Wildfire and tornado risks merit awareness

Despite overall low risk, Jefferson County residents face wildfire risk at 54.68 and tornado risk at 54.13, the two most significant hazards. These moderate scores warrant standard precautions despite the county's favorable overall risk profile.

Standard coverage sufficient for this county

Jefferson County's low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance provides solid baseline protection for most residents. Ensure your policy covers wind and tornado damage, and maintain defensible space around your property to minimize wildfire exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.