Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Jefferson City, MO
Thinking of moving to Jefferson City, MO? With a population of just over 43,000, this capital city offers affordable living with a median home price around $182,000 and average rent under $900. Residents enjoy quick commutes (16 minutes on average), a low cost of living, and access to quality healthcare and schools. While crime rates are moderate, Jefferson City features four distinct seasons with plenty of sunny days, making it a welcoming place for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Jefferson City, MO
Demographics - Jefferson City, MO
Jefferson City is home to about 43,170 residents, featuring a balanced gender ratio and a median age of nearly 40. The city’s population is predominantly White (76%), with a significant Black community (15%) and a small but growing number of non-English speakers. Its moderate density and diversity make it a comfortable and inclusive place to settle.
Population:
43,170
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
76.0%
Black:
15.2%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
7.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Jefferson City, MO?
The cost of living in Jefferson City is attractively low, with an index of 85.1 and a median home value of $182,000. Residents benefit from reasonable rent (averaging $890) and affordable utilities, making it an appealing choice for both homeowners and renters. State taxes are moderate and everyday expenses like groceries and healthcare remain below the national average.
Median House Value:
$182,000
Gross Rent:
$890
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,270
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$485
State Taxes:
Low:
1.5%
|
High:
5.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.1
Grocery:
93.4
Housing:
69.5
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
94.8
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Jefferson City, MO a safe place to live?
Jefferson City experiences moderate crime rates, with about 424 violent crimes and 2,016 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is 1 in 236, while property crime risk is about 1 in 50. While safety is a consideration, many residents find the city’s overall environment welcoming and secure.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
424
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,016
Crime Index:
2,440
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 236
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 50
Weather
What is the weather like in Jefferson City, MO year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons in Jefferson City, with warm summers reaching highs near 89°F and chilly winters dipping to 22°F. The city receives around 42 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunny skies 59% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the seasons.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Households in Jefferson City typically earn a median income of $59,200, with a poverty rate of 13.2% and low unemployment at 3.4%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average a convenient 16 minutes. The area is known for its friendly, educated community and affordable lifestyle.
Median Income:
$36,200
Household Income:
$59,200
Family Income:
$73,500
Per Capita Income:
$30,800
Income Male:
$43,100
Income Female:
$36,400
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
5.8%
Rent:
$890
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
16.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
32.1%
Education
How are the schools in Jefferson City, MO?
Jefferson City boasts quality public and private schools, including Jefferson City High School and Helias Catholic High School, as well as higher education options like Lincoln University. Schools offer favorable student-teacher ratios and diverse academic programs. The city’s educational institutions are well-regarded and support a strong learning environment for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Jefferson City High School
Street:
609 Union St
Phone:
573-659-3050
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Street:
1201 Fairgrounds Rd
Phone:
573-659-3250
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.4
Private Schools
Name:
Helias Catholic High School
Street:
1305 Swifts Hwy
Phone:
573-635-6139
Students:
800
Colleges
Name:
Lincoln University
City:
Jefferson City
State:
MO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
Columbia College – Jefferson City
City:
Jefferson City
State:
MO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
400
Healthcare
Jefferson City offers quality healthcare services with two major hospitals providing comprehensive emergency and surgical care. The city has a solid ratio of physicians (2.1 per 1,000 residents) and high health insurance coverage at 90.7%. Residents benefit from accessible medical facilities and a strong healthcare network.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Capital Region Medical Center
Address:
1125 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone:
(573) 632-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Jefferson City
Address:
2505 Mission Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone:
(573) 681-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.7%
Health Care Index:
76.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Jefferson City, MO?
The housing market in Jefferson City is affordable, with a median home price of $182,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom around $870. About 58% of residents own their homes, and the market is stable with low vacancy and foreclosure rates. Modest home appreciation provides reliable investment potential for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$182,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$870
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle and driver licensing services are managed by the Missouri Department of Revenue, conveniently located at 301 West High Street in Jefferson City. Residents can access resources online or by phone, making vehicle registration and licensing straightforward and efficient. The department provides comprehensive support for all DMV needs.
State:
Missouri
Department:
Missouri Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing Division
Address:
301 West High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone:
573-526-3669
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.