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
Jefferson County is a county in New York with a population of 116,130. It ranks #25 among counties in New York by population. The median age is 33.2, younger than the national median. The population is 52.6% male and 47.4% female.
The median household income in Jefferson County is $64,978, below the US median of $74,580. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $181,000, with monthly rent averaging $1,214. The homeownership rate of 54.1% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Jefferson County reflects 25.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.6 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+
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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.
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Statewide data for New York
Population, race, income, age, and trends across New York
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.