County · Kansas
Jefferson County, Kansas
Jefferson County, Kansas. Jefferson County had 18,296 residents in 2025 by the Census Bureau's estimate, down 0.4% since 2020, while Kansas grew 1.3%. It holds 22 places (8 cities, villages and boroughs, 12 towns and townships and 2 census-designated) and 4 census tracts. GEOID 20087.
Jefferson County is one of the 5 counties of the Topeka, KS metropolitan statistical area (the Census Bureau's July 2023 delineation).
Residents, July 2025 estimate
18,296
Census Bureau estimate (no margin published)
2020 Census count: 18,368 · ACS 2020-2024: 18,349
Median household income
$81,278
±$4,961 (90% margin)
Kansas: $74,275
Median home value
$216,900
±$9,772 (90% margin)
Kansas: $217,200
Median gross rent
$835
±$64 (90% margin)
Kansas: $1,060
How many people live in Jefferson County, and is it growing?
The 2020 Census counted 18,368 residents in Jefferson County. The Census Bureau estimates 18,296 for July 1, 2025, down 0.4% since 2020, while Kansas grew 1.3%. The 2020-2024 American Community Survey puts the population at 18,349 over 533 square miles of land.
| Measure | Jefferson County | Kansas | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 18,349 | 2,947,197 | −541 |
| Households | 7,412±177 | 1,174,060 | no clear change |
| Average household size | 2.45±0.06 | 2.44 | no clear change |
| Housing units | 8,038±31 | 1,293,635 | −340 |
Jefferson County's population since 2000
From 18,426 in 2000 to 18,296 in 2025: down 0.7%. The 2000, 2010 and 2020 figures are census counts. The 2005 figure is the Census Bureau's intercensal estimate, revised to fit the 2000 and 2010 counts and drawn on 2010 boundaries; 2015 and 2025 are July 1 estimates made from the census before them.
Source: The 2000, 2010 and 2020 Census counts and the Census Bureau's population estimates (intercensal 2000-2010, Vintage 2020, Vintage 2025) · Census population estimates
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); PEP Vintage 2025 (CO-EST2025); 2020 Census · Check it at data.census.gov
What cities and towns are in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County holds 22 places: 8 cities, villages and boroughs (incorporated places), 12 towns and townships (county subdivisions with their own government) and 2 census-designated places. The largest is Rock Creek Township, Jefferson County with 2,773 residents (2025 estimate). Places that cross a county line are listed with the share of their 2020 residents who live in this county.
| Rock Creek Township, Jefferson County | 2,801 | $92,650 |
|---|---|---|
| Oskaloosa Township | 2,167 | $84,688 |
| Delaware Township, Jefferson County | 1,802 | $66,146 |
| Union Township, Jefferson County | 1,690 | $81,835 |
| Ozawkie Township | 1,628 | $99,327 |
| Fairview Township, Jefferson County | 1,622 | $61,563 |
| Kentucky Township | 1,557 | $86,797 |
| Kaw Township, Jefferson CountyGEOID 2008736125 | 1,390 | $71,188 |
| Oskaloosa | 1,110 | $83,750 |
| Valley Falls | 1,092 | $46,681 |
| Jefferson Township, Jefferson County | 1,090 | $66,696 |
| Sarcoxie TownshipGEOID 2008763100 | 986 | $121,250 |
| McLouth | 859 | $73,967 |
| Norton Township | 859 | $76,111 |
| Perry | 852 | $82,375 |
| Rural Township, Jefferson CountyGEOID 2008761700 | 776 | $72,250 |
| Meriden | 744 | $76,667 |
| Ozawkie | 638 | $100,156 |
| Nortonville | 601 | $58,571 |
| Winchester | 461 | $55,833 |
| GrantvilleGEOID 2028200 | 182 | $65,063 |
| WilliamstownGEOID 2079375 | 96 | not published |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); 2020 place-by-county parts · Check it at data.census.gov
Who lives in Jefferson County?
The median resident of Jefferson County is 44.2 years old; 22.0% are under 18 and 20.0% are 65 or older. The largest group is non-Hispanic white residents at 91.1%, then non-Hispanic residents of two or more races at 4.0%. 1.0% of residents were born outside the United States.
| Measure | Jefferson County | Kansas | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 44.2±0.3 | 37.4 | +0.9 |
| Under 18 years | 22.0%±0.2 pts | 23.8% | – |
| 65 years and over | 20.0%±0.2 pts | 17.0% | – |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.5% | 13.6% | +0.8 pts |
| White alone, not Hispanic | 91.1%±0.6 pts | 72.7% | −2.5 pts |
| Black or African American alone, not Hispanic | 0.4%±0.3 pts | 5.2% | – |
| Asian alone, not Hispanic | 0.2%±0.1 pts | 2.9% | – |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, not Hispanic | 0.4%±0.2 pts | 0.4% | – |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, not Hispanic | 0.0%±0.1 pts | 0.1% | – |
| Two or more races, not Hispanic | 4.0%±0.7 pts | 4.8% | – |
| Some other race alone, not Hispanic | 0.3%±0.3 pts | 0.4% | – |
| Born outside the United States | 1.0%±0.3 pts | 7.4% | +0.5 pts |
| Speak a language other than English at home (age 5+) | 2.0%±0.7 pts | 12.1% | – |
| Civilian veterans (age 18+) | 7.8%±1.0 pts | 6.8% | – |
| With a disability | 13.3%±1.6 pts | 13.5% | – |
| No health insurance coverage | 5.4%±1.0 pts | 8.8% | no clear change |
| High school graduate or higher (age 25+) | 94.4%±1.2 pts | 92.0% | – |
| Bachelor's degree or higher (age 25+) | 24.6%±2.3 pts | 35.6% | no clear change |
| Graduate or professional degree (age 25+) | 9.1%±1.4 pts | 13.4% | – |
| Moved from another state in the past year | 0.8%±0.3 pts | 3.0% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profiles DP02, DP05) · Check it at data.census.gov
What do households in Jefferson County earn?
Half of Jefferson County's 7,412 households earn less than $81,278 a year (±$4,961), against $74,275 in Kansas. In 2015-2019 it was $79,828 in 2024 dollars; the margins of error cannot tell the two periods apart. 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Jefferson County | Kansas | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $81,278±$4,961 | $74,275 | no clear change |
| Mean household income | $100,809±$5,318 | $100,417 | – |
| Per capita income | $41,568±$2,186 | $40,978 | +$3,841 |
| People below the poverty line | 5.6%±1.4 pts | 11.3% | no clear change |
| Children under 18 below the poverty line | 3.5%±1.9 pts | 13.1% | −7.2 pts |
| Households receiving SNAP | 3.0%±0.9 pts | 6.8% | – |
| Households with a broadband subscription | 89.2%±2.4 pts | 90.7% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What does housing cost in Jefferson County?
Owners occupy 85.7% of Jefferson County's occupied homes and renters 14.3%. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $216,900 by its owner (±$9,772). The median renter pays $835 a month including utilities, and 23.3% of renters pay 35% or more of their income on rent.
| Measure | Jefferson County | Kansas | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value (owner-occupied) | $216,900±$9,772 | $217,200 | +$31,558 |
| Median gross rent | $835±$64 | $1,060 | −$100 |
| Renters paying 35% or more of income on rent | 23.3%±8.0 pts | 34.5% | no clear change |
| Median monthly owner costs, with a mortgage | $1,663±$99 | $1,689 | – |
| Owner-occupied homes | 85.7%±2.8 pts | 67.2% | no clear change |
| Housing units | 8,038±31 | 1,293,635 | −340 |
| Homeowner vacancy rate | 0.2%±0.3 pts | 0.9% | – |
| Rental vacancy rate | 0.7%±1.3 pts | 6.2% | – |
| Single-family detached homes | 87.3%±2.8 pts | 71.8% | – |
| Mobile homes | 7.6%±2.5 pts | 4.0% | – |
| Built 2020 or later | 0.4%±0.4 pts | 1.4% | – |
| Built 1939 or earlier | 16.8%±2.5 pts | 15.4% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP04) · Check it at data.census.gov
How many new homes is Jefferson County building?
Builders took permits for 80 new housing units across Jefferson County in 2025 (80 single-family), 4.4 per 1,000 residents.
Source: Building Permits Survey, annual county files 2019-2025, U.S. Census Bureau · Census Building Permits Survey
How do people in Jefferson County get to work?
75.9% of Jefferson County's workers drive alone and 11.7% work from home. The average trip to work takes 30.1 minutes. The unemployment rate in 2020-2024 averaged 2.4%.
| Measure | Jefferson County | Kansas | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the labor force (age 16+) | 64.8%±1.9 pts | 66.1% | – |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4%±1.0 pts | 3.9% | no clear change |
| Drove alone to work | 75.9%±2.8 pts | 75.4% | – |
| Carpooled | 9.6%±1.9 pts | 8.7% | – |
| Public transportation | 0.0%±0.3 pts | 0.4% | – |
| Walked | 1.5%±0.7 pts | 2.3% | – |
| Worked from home | 11.7%±2.0 pts | 11.8% | +8.1 pts |
| Mean travel time to work | 30.1 min±1.7 | 19.7 min | no clear change |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What are Jefferson County's census tracts?
Jefferson County is divided into 4 census tracts. Among those with a reliable estimate, median household income runs from $67,015 (Tract 202) to $92,969 (Tract 203).
| Tract 201.0120087020101 | 5,623±386 | $85,139 |
|---|---|---|
| Tract 201.0220087020102 | 2,947±292 | $82,179 |
| Tract 20220087020200 | 4,283±251 | $67,015 |
| Tract 20320087020300 | 5,496±311 | $92,969 |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) · Check it at data.census.gov
How does Jefferson County compare with Kansas's other counties?
| Measure | Rank |
|---|---|
| Population | 30th of 105 |
| Growth 2020-2025 | 31st of 105 |
| Residents per square mile | 19th of 105 |
| Median household income | 8th of 105 |
| Median home value | 9th of 105 |
| Median gross rent | 34th of 104 |
| Poverty rate | 97th of 102 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 48th of 105 |
| Median age | 27th of 105 |
Source: PlainCities ranks from the American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) and PEP Vintage 2025 · How ranks are computed
How these figures are made: methodology and release checks · reading a margin of error · every state · corrections
Not on this page: crime, weather and schools for Jefferson County are other agencies' records. Crime: the FBI's Crime Data Explorer · climate: NOAA's U.S. Climate Normals · schools: the National Center for Education Statistics' school search.