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Population Review

Jefferson County, Missouri Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in Missouri

The population of Jefferson County, Missouri is 228,227 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $80,522, the median home value is $218,800, and the median age is 40.2.

The population of Jefferson County has grown 5.8% since 2010 (219,130 → 231,888), a +0.41% annualized rate.

Jefferson County within Missouri · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

228,227

Population

+0.41%

Annual growth

348

People / sq mi

$80,522

Median Income

$218,800

Median Home Value

Jefferson County covers 656 sq mi of land at 347.8 people per square mile.

About Jefferson County, MO

Homeownership is the standout figure in Jefferson County: 81.4% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Jefferson County is a county in Missouri with a population of 228,227. It is the #7-largest of all counties in Missouri nationally.

Median household income is $80,522, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.7%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $218,800, with typical rent around $972.

Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 23.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 10.1% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.

The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Jefferson County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.

Jefferson County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Jefferson County had a population of 219,130 in 2010 and 231,888 in 2024, a 5.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 231,888 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.41%.

2024 · 232K20102024
Jefferson County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

231,888

Population (2024)

219,130

Population (2010)

231,888

Peak (2024)

0.41%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010219,130
2011219,605
2012219,885
2013220,923
2014222,066
2015223,185
2016223,439
2017223,843
2018224,656
2019225,402
2020226,947
2021228,030
2022229,268
2023231,155
2024231,888

Race & Ethnicity

White90.0%
Black or African American1.1%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.0%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

40.2

Median Age

50.0%

Female

50.0%

Male

16.1%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.6%
5–9
6.3%
10–14
6.7%
15–19
6.2%
20–24
5.5%
25–34
12.2%
35–44
13.8%
45–54
12.8%
55–59
7.2%
60–64
7.5%
65–74
10.3%
75–84
4.3%
85+
1.5%

Children (under 15): 18.6% · Seniors (65+): 16.1%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$80,522+$11,602 vs state
Mean household income$96,337
Per-capita income$37,869
Poverty rate5.7%-2.7% vs state
Unemployment rate2.4%
Employment-to-population63.8%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
21.8%
Manufacturing
12.3%
Construction
10.3%
Finance & real estate
10.1%
Education & health care
7.9%
Information
7.2%
Retail trade
5.3%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.0%

The largest employment sector in Jefferson County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.8% of workers.

How residents commute

0.1%

Drive alone

0.7%

Carpool

81.0%

Public transit

10.1%

Work from home

30.4 min

Avg commute

Housing

$218,800+$3,200 vs state

Median home value

$972

Median rent

81.4%

Homeownership rate

93,276

Total housing units

93.3%

Occupied

6.7%

Vacant

18.6%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

92.7%

With health insurance

95.1%

With broadband internet

17.7%

Foreign-born

7.9%

Veterans (18+)

13.3%

With a disability

96.7%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

91.5%

High School+

23.6%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Missouri

Other counties in Missouri

Part of Missouri

Metro areas in Missouri

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Jefferson County, Missouri has a population of 228,227 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 348 people per square mile.

The population of Jefferson County has grown 5.8% since 2010 (219,130 → 231,888), a +0.41% annualized rate.

The median household income in Jefferson County, Missouri is $80,522, with mean (average) household income of $96,337 and per-capita income of $37,869. 5.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Jefferson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.0%), Black or African American (1.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Jefferson County, Missouri is 40.2 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.

The median home value in Jefferson County is $218,800 and median monthly rent is $972. 81.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 93,276 total housing units, 6.7% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Jefferson County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.

Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Jefferson County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.


Jefferson County, MO Climate

Jefferson County, MO has an average annual temperature of 12.7°C (55°F) and receives about 992 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

12.7°C

Avg Temp

992

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-10°0°10°20°30°108mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Jefferson County, MO — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January-1° / 30°53 mm
February2° / 35°55 mm
March7° / 45°95 mm
April13° / 55°94 mm
May18° / 64°108 mm
June23° / 73°87 mm
July25° / 77°85 mm
August24° / 76°85 mm
September20° / 68°84 mm
October14° / 57°72 mm
November7° / 45°92 mm
December1° / 34°82 mm

1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.

Best time to visit Jefferson County, MO

The most comfortable months to visit Jefferson County, MO are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.

SeptemberJuneAugust

Where to stay near Jefferson County

Visiting or relocating to Jefferson County, MO? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near Jefferson County

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.