City profile · North Carolina · Census ACS 2023

West Jefferson, NC

Population, income, housing, safety, climate and schools for West Jefferson - drawn straight from Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA, NCES, HUD and FEMA, refreshed on the 2024–2025 release cycle.

1,567
Residents
$54,306
Median income
$217,900
Median home
$925
Median rent (state)

West Jefferson - the verdict

Out of every US city with 1,000+ residents, West Jefferson places in the 26th percentile for household income and the 5th percentile for safety. Source: Census ACS + FBI UCR.

26th
percentile, household income
48th
percentile, home value
7th
percentile, median rent
5th
percentile, safety
📝 How we sourced this

Population, income, and housing-cost figures come from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates (B-series tables). Crime data uses FBI UCR; climate uses NOAA Climate Normals; school counts come from NCES Common Core of Data; permits use the Census Building Permits Survey (BPS). See our methodology page for the full ETL pipeline and OMB / FIPS join keys.

Data Snapshot: West Jefferson, NC

Census ACS 2023 estimates count 1,567 residents in West Jefferson, a small town within North Carolina. Median household income here is $54,306 per year, below the median for U.S. cities on this measure, with a poverty rate of 8.6%. Home values in West Jefferson run a median of $217,900, and the median resident age is 43.6 years. About 15.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, while 48.9% of working-age residents are in the labor force.

West Jefferson's reported crime rate runs above the national norm: FBI UCR figures show 4552.2 crimes per 100,000 residents, above the national average (reporting is voluntary across agencies, so treat this as reporting activity rather than a definitive danger score).

Living costs in North Carolina run below the national norm: the state registers 94.3 on a 100-equals-national-average index (Below Average) per BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. HUD Fair Market Rent for a typical two-bedroom in this state is $925 per month. Statewide, average monthly utility bills in North Carolina run around $215, per EIA 2023 residential energy data. Natural-hazard exposure scores 66.8 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (Moderate).

Population

1,567 residents

Census ACS 2023 - North Carolina

Median Household Income

$54,306 /yr

Poverty 8.6%

Cost of Living Index (state)

94.3 (US=100)

Below Average - BEA RPP 2024, North Carolina average

How does West Jefferson compare to other US cities?

Here's how West Jefferson stacks up against the full field of US cities (population 1,000+), computed live from Census and FBI data.

Household income 26% higher than other cities
Home value 48% pricier than other cities
Median rent 7% pricier than other cities
Safety 5% safer than other cities

"Safer than" reflects total crime rate from FBI UCR; the others use Census ACS estimates.

A national percentile can hide a lot of local variation: narrowed to North Carolina alone, West Jefferson ranks #168 of 195 North Carolina cities by lowest crime rate - a different, more locally useful comparison than stacking it against the entire country.

How we calculate these percentiles & ranks

Each percentile compares West Jefferson against every qualifying US city; each in-state rank narrows that to North Carolina only. Full formula and direction notes: methodology.

North Carolina-relative analysis

Median Gross Rent places West Jefferson near the bottom of North Carolina's cities

Among the 746 North Carolina cities PlainCities tracks with reported median gross rent data, West Jefferson ranks #552 - the 0th percentile within the state. This is a different, narrower cut than the nationwide percentiles above: it compares West Jefferson only against its own state's cities, not the full US field.

Median Household Income
#401 of 700
43rd percentile in North Carolina
Median Gross Rent
#552 of 746
0th percentile in North Carolina
Median Home Value
#285 of 708
60th percentile in North Carolina
Poverty Rate
#390 of 746
47th percentile in North Carolina
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
#520 of 746
30th percentile in North Carolina

Ranked by raw value (highest first); a higher rank is not automatically "better" for every measure, see each metric's own context above. This is a comparison within North Carolina only, not a livability score. See the methodology for the source and calculation.

26thIncome percentile
5thSafety percentile

26th percentile nationally for median household income · 5th percentile for safety (lower crime rate). Source: Census ACS 2023 / FBI UCR 2023.

West Jefferson's profile vs. every US city

Income, affordability, and safety percentile

West Jefferson's percentile rank on 3 favorable-direction measures (income, affordability, safety) vs. every tracked US city -- higher on every axis is more favorable. Not a composite quality score, just the arithmetic mean of the axes shown. 3-axis radar comparing 1 series across Income, Affordability, Safety. IncomeAffordabilitySafety 35 Avg. percentile National median
West Jefferson's percentile rank on 3 favorable-direction measures (income, affordability, safety) vs. every tracked US city -- higher on every axis is more favorable. Not a composite quality score, just the arithmetic mean of the axes shown.

How West Jefferson's home value compares nationally

Median home value vs. every US city (population 1,000+)

$217,900 Among the most affordable more affordable than 52% of 15,600 US cities

$0–$25,000: 5 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $25,000–$50,000: 54 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $50,000–$75,000: 352 US cities (2%). Below this entry. $75,000–$100,000: 1,086 US cities (7%). Below this entry. $100,000–$125,000: 1,516 US cities (10%). Below this entry. $125,000–$150,000: 1,170 US cities (8%). Below this entry. $150,000–$175,000: 1,278 US cities (8%). Below this entry. $175,000–$200,000: 1,229 US cities (8%). Below this entry. $200,000–$225,000: 1,035 US cities (7%). This entry sits in this band. $225,000–$250,000: 976 US cities (6%). Above this entry. $250,000–$275,000: 754 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $275,000–$300,000: 712 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $300,000–$325,000: 521 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $325,000–$350,000: 526 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $350,000–$375,000: 465 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $375,000–$400,000: 393 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $400,000–$425,000: 317 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $425,000–$450,000: 300 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $450,000–$475,000: 307 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $475,000–$500,000: 250 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $500,000–$525,000: 160 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $525,000–$550,000: 156 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $550,000–$575,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $575,000–$600,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $600,000–$625,000: 163 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $625,000–$650,000: 167 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $650,000–$675,000: 135 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $675,000–$700,000: 101 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $700,000–$725,000: 95 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $725,000–$750,000: 71 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $750,000–$775,000: 65 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $775,000–$800,000: 70 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $800,000–$825,000: 57 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $825,000–$850,000: 67 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $850,000–$875,000: 60 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $875,000–$900,000: 58 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $900,000–$925,000: 47 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $925,000–$950,000: 37 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $950,000–$975,000: 31 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $975,000–$1,000,000: 470 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $1,000,000–$1,025,000: 0 US cities (0%). Above this entry. West Jefferson $0 $1,025,000 every US city, bucketed by value

Each bar is a $25K-wide band; taller bars hold more US cities. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates · 2023

Income distribution context

Household income distribution - West Jefferson, NC West Jefferson, NC's reported median household income shown against the U.S. national quintile-share pattern (not West Jefferson, NC-specific quintile data). The Lorenz curve traces the national cumulative income share against cumulative population share, perfect equality is the diagonal; observed inequality bows below. $ Household Income Distribution West Jefferson, NC median $54,306/yr, vs. U.S. national quintile pattern QUINTILE SHARE OF AGGREGATE INCOME Lowest 20% 3.4% Second 20% 9.2% Middle 20% 15.1% Fourth 20% 23.2% Top 20% 49.1% LORENZ CURVE cumulative income vs. population 100% 0% 100% pop. 0%
West Jefferson, NC's median household income (Census ACS 5-year estimate) plotted against the U.S. national income-quintile distribution pattern for context; the quintile shares and Lorenz curve are national figures, not computed specifically for West Jefferson, NC. Diagonal = perfect equality.

Key socioeconomic indicators

Bachelor's degree or higher (adults 25+) 15.5%

Census ACS S1501, educational attainment

Poverty rate (households below FPL) 8.6%

Census ACS S1701, poverty status

Labor force participation (adults 16+) 48.9%

Census ACS S2301, share of working-age residents in the labor force

Population
1,567
Median Income
$54,306
Median Home Value
$217,900
Median Age
43.6
Poverty Rate
8.6%
Labor force participation
48.9%
Bachelor's Degree+
15.5%

Safety & Crime

Total Crime Rate
4552.2
per 100,000 residents
Violent Crime
74.6
per 100,000 residents
Property Crime
4477.6
per 100,000 residents

Reflects incidents reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program — agency participation is voluntary and reporting completeness varies by jurisdiction and year, so this reflects reporting activity, not a definitive danger score. Not adjusted for tourism, commuter, or daytime population.

Schools

Total Schools
3
Public schools in this city

Population Change

Annual U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP) estimates, 2020–2025

See the fastest-growing cities →
1,310 residents1,320 residents1,330 residents1,340 residents1,350 residents1,360 residents 202020212022202320242025 1,315 residents 1,348 residents ▲ +2.5%
West Jefferson's Census PEP population estimates, 2020–2025.

Commute Patterns

How workers travel to work, Census ACS 2023

Drive Alone
82.7%
Carpool
11.3%
Public Transit
0.0%
Walk
2.0%
Work from Home
4.0%

Based on 646 workers 16 and over.

Monthly Utility Costs

State-average estimates for North Carolina - EIA 2023 residential energy data

Electricity
$115
avg/month
Natural Gas
$55
avg/month
Water & Sewer
$45
avg/month
Total Utilities
$215
estimated/month

Estimates reflect North Carolina state averages. Actual costs vary by home size, usage, and local rates. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023.

Living Costs & Risk

Cost of living is a North Carolina state average from BEA; rent and hazard risk are county-level figures from HUD and FEMA for the county West Jefferson sits in

Cost of Living Index
94.3
Below Average
US average = 100 · BEA RPP 2024
Typical 2-BR Rent
$925/mo
HUD Fair Market Rent
County-level FMR estimate
Natural Hazard Risk
66.8 / 100
Moderate
FEMA NRI composite score (county)

Similar Cities in North Carolina

Stanfield
1,554 people
Pilot Mountain
1,584 people
Advance
1,544 people
Princeton
1,543 people
Biltmore Forest
1,536 people
Cove Creek
1,533 people

Cities of a Similar Size Nationwide

Population-matched peers from other states, closest to West Jefferson's 1,567 residents (Census ACS 5-Year 2023).

Crescent, OK
1,567 people
Braddock Hills, PA
1,567 people
Vinco, PA
1,567 people
Orfordville, WI
1,567 people
Sharon, WI
1,567 people
Garberville, CA
1,568 people

Cities with a Similar Household Income Nationwide

Median-household-income-matched peers from other states, closest to West Jefferson's $54,306 (Census ACS 5-Year 2023, table B19013).

Kykotsmovi, AZ
$54,306 median income
Industry, IL
$54,306 median income
Caseville, MI
$54,306 median income
Clifton, CO
$54,301 median income
Greene, IA
$54,298 median income
Mansfield, AR
$54,318 median income

Race & Ethnicity Composition

Race and ethnicity - West Jefferson, NC Race categories sum to one hundred percent per Census methodology. Hispanic or Latino is shown separately as an ethnicity overlay; it cuts across all race categories per OMB Directive 15. Race & Ethnicity Composition West Jefferson, NC - Census ACS, OMB race + ethnicity categories RACE, sums to 100% 85.8% 8.0% ETHNICITY, Hispanic or Latino (any race) 4.0% White 85.8% Black or African American 8.0% Asian 0.0% American Indian 0.0% Native Hawaiian 0.0% Some other race 0.9% Two or more races 5.3% Per OMB Directive 15: Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is reported separately from the race categories.
Race categories sum to 100%. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity is reported separately and cuts across race per Census/OMB methodology.

City-level race and ethnicity, Census ACS 5-year 2023 (tables B02001, B03001), OMB Directive 15 categories.

How West Jefferson compares to nearby North Carolina cities

Population + median household income, sourced from Census Bureau ACS 5-year B01001 (population) and B19013 (median household income).

City Population Median Household Income
West Jefferson (this city) 1,567 $54,306
Stanfield 1,554 $81,375
Pilot Mountain 1,584 $48,239
Advance 1,544 $109,402
Census ACS 5-year FIPS NC FBI UCR NCES CCD OMB Bulletin 23-01

What do people ask about West Jefferson, NC?

What is the population of West Jefferson, NC? +

1,567 people live in West Jefferson, NC according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023 estimates.

What is the median household income in West Jefferson, NC? +

The median household income in West Jefferson is $54,306 per year, based on Census ACS 2023 data.

What is the cost of living in West Jefferson? +

BEA does not publish a city-level cost-of-living figure for West Jefferson; the closest available measure is the North Carolina state average, a cost of living index of 94.3 (U.S. average = 100), rated "Below Average" based on BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 data. Costs within North Carolina vary by metro area.

Is West Jefferson, NC safe? +

West Jefferson has a total crime rate of 4552.2 per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average. This reflects incidents reported to the FBI UCR program, not a definitive safety score -- agency reporting is voluntary and completeness varies by jurisdiction.

What is the median home value in West Jefferson, NC? +

West Jefferson's median home value sits at $217,900, according to Census ACS 2023 estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2023, FBI UCR, NCES CCD, Census ACS B08301/B08136, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023, BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, HUD Fair Market Rents 2026, FEMA National Risk Index.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.

Primary sources: Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA Climate Normals, NCES.

Citation & verification links Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainCities

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Every figure on PlainCities is rendered directly from Census ACS source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on Census ACS source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.