Jefferson County, New York Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 25th-largest in New York
The population of Jefferson County, New York is 116,130 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 25th-largest county in New York. The median household income is $64,978, the median home value is $181,000, and the median age is 33.2.
The population of Jefferson County has declined 3.0% since 2010 (116,609 → 113,140), a -0.22% annualized rate.
116,130
Population
-0.22%
Annual growth
92
People / sq mi
$64,978
Median Income
$181,000
Median Home Value
Jefferson County covers 1,268 sq mi of land at 91.6 people per square mile.
About Jefferson County, NY
Homeownership is the standout figure in Jefferson County: 54.1% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. Jefferson County is a county in New York with a population of 116,130. It ranks #25 among counties in New York by population.
Median household income is $64,978, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.2%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $181,000, with typical rent around $1,214.
25.7% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 7.4% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Jefferson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jefferson County had a population of 116,609 in 2010 and 113,140 in 2024, a -3.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 120,335 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.20%.
113,140
Population (2024)
116,609
Population (2010)
120,335
Peak (2012)
-0.20%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 116,609 |
| 2011 | 117,809 |
| 2012 | 120,335 |
| 2013 | 118,617 |
| 2014 | 118,121 |
| 2015 | 116,539 |
| 2016 | 113,280 |
| 2017 | 113,488 |
| 2018 | 112,266 |
| 2019 | 110,143 |
| 2020 | 116,071 |
| 2021 | 116,925 |
| 2022 | 115,487 |
| 2023 | 113,575 |
| 2024 | 113,140 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.3% |
| Black or African American | 5.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
33.2
Median Age
47.4%
Female
52.6%
Male
14.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.5% · Seniors (65+): 14.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,978$-19,600 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,530 |
| Per-capita income | $34,603 |
| Poverty rate | 9.2%-0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
4.5%
Carpool
77.4%
Public transit
7.4%
Work from home
19.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$181,000$-222,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,214
Median rent
54.1%
Homeownership rate
61,721
Total housing units
75.7%
Occupied
24.3%
Vacant
45.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.2%
With health insurance
93.7%
With broadband internet
28.0%
Foreign-born
12.3%
Veterans (18+)
14.9%
With a disability
91.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.3%
High School+
25.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in New York
Other counties in New York
Part of New York
Metro areas in New York
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Jefferson County, New York has a population of 116,130 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 25th-largest county in New York. Population density is 92 people per square mile.
The population of Jefferson County has declined 3.0% since 2010 (116,609 → 113,140), a -0.22% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jefferson County, New York is $64,978, with mean (average) household income of $84,530 and per-capita income of $34,603. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jefferson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (83.3%), Black or African American (5.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Jefferson County, New York is 33.2 years. Residents are 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
The median home value in Jefferson County is $181,000 and median monthly rent is $1,214. 54.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 61,721 total housing units, 24.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County, New York is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
New York is among the largest cities associated with Jefferson County, New York, with a population of 8,516,202.
Jefferson County, NY Climate
Jefferson County, NY has an average annual temperature of 7.2°C (45°F) and receives about 1060 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.2°C
Avg Temp
1060
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 19° | 89 mm |
| February | -6° / 20° | 68 mm |
| March | -1° / 31° | 71 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 80 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 82 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 84 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 77 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 95 mm |
| September | 15° / 60° | 108 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 95 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 114 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 97 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, NY
The most comfortable months to visit Jefferson County, NY are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Jefferson County
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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.