Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Jefferson, WI
Considering a move to Jefferson, WI? This welcoming city of 8,000 offers affordable living, with a median home price around $253,000 and average rents near $950. Jefferson boasts low violent crime (145 per 100K), short average commutes of 22 minutes, and a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons with over half the year filled with sunny days, plus access to good local schools and nearby healthcare. Whether you're looking for small-town charm or easy access to education and amenities, Jefferson is a great place to put down roots.
Demographics - Jefferson, WI
Demographics - Jefferson, WI
Jefferson is home to about 8,000 residents, with a median age of 39 and a nearly balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White, but also includes a mix of other backgrounds, and about 7% of the population speaks a language other than English at home. Its moderate density and diverse community make Jefferson welcoming for families and individuals alike.
Population:
8,023
Density:
1,650 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.0%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
8.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Jefferson, WI?
Living in Jefferson is affordable, with a median home value of $253,000 and average rents around $950. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also reasonable, contributing to the city's accessible lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$253,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,140
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.7
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
83.5
Utilities:
97.4
Transportation:
93.1
Health Care:
96.7
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Jefferson, WI a safe place to live?
Jefferson experiences low violent crime rates, with only 145 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Property crimes are also relatively moderate, offering peace of mind for residents. The city's overall crime rates are below national averages, reflecting its strong sense of community safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
145
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,070
Crime Index:
1,215
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 690
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 93
Weather
What is the weather like in Jefferson, WI year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons in Jefferson, including warm summers with highs in the low 80s and cold winters dipping to the teens. The city receives about 34.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine around 56% of the year. This climate offers a classic Midwestern seasonal experience with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
11°F
Max:
30°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Jefferson's residents have a median household income of about $65,400, and unemployment is low at 3.3%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, with almost a quarter holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The community is family-friendly, with short commute times and a modest poverty rate.
Median Income:
$34,700
Household Income:
$65,400
Family Income:
$77,100
Per Capita Income:
$33,200
Income Male:
$42,600
Income Female:
$36,400
Poverty Rate:
8.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.9%
Bachelors or More:
23.4%
Education
How are the schools in Jefferson, WI?
Jefferson features quality public schools, such as Jefferson High School and East Elementary, with reasonable student-teacher ratios for personalized learning. Private school and higher education options, including the nearby University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, offer additional educational opportunities. Families can expect supportive schools and access to advanced programs for students.

Public Schools
Name:
Jefferson High School
Street:
700 W Milwaukee St
Phone:
920-675-1100
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1
Name:
East Elementary School
Street:
120 S Sanborn Ave
Phone:
920-675-1300
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1

Private Schools
Name:
St. John the Baptist Catholic School
Street:
333 E Church St
Phone:
920-674-5821
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
City:
Whitewater
State:
WI
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
11,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Jefferson is easily accessible, with major hospitals nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage at nearly 94%. There are about 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring prompt medical attention when needed. The area’s healthcare system is reliable and well-equipped for general and emergency care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Fort Memorial Hospital
Address:
611 Sherman Ave E, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
Phone:
(920) 568-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Watertown Regional Medical Center
Address:
125 Hospital Dr, Watertown, WI 53098
Phone:
(920) 261-4210
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.6%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Jefferson, WI?
Jefferson offers a stable housing market, with a median home price of $253,000 and a solid 60% owner-occupancy rate. Rents for a two-bedroom average $950, and home values have appreciated steadily over the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates suggest a healthy demand for housing in the area.
Median Home Price:
$253,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV services in Jefferson are provided by the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on West Milwaukee Street. Residents can access a range of motor vehicle and licensing services both in person and online. The local DMV office is easily reachable for any transportation or registration needs.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
818 W. Milwaukee St., Jefferson, WI 53549
Phone:
1-608-264-7447
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.