Special Interest
Housing in Jefferson County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Jefferson County averages $979/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Missouri median of $1,033 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 25% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Jefferson County FMR Area are $1,036 for a studio, $1,079 for 1‑bedroom, $1,321 for 2‑bedroom, $1,700 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,965 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $342 increase for a 2-bedroom in Jefferson County shows a 35% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Jefferson County was 3.3% in 2024, compared to Missouri at 3.7% and the national rate of 4.0%.
