What to know when moving to Jefferson City, MO
TL;DR: Jefferson City at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 30.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 34.1% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $74,013, which supports a comfortable living standard.
- The Reality Check:
- High property crime rate at 1,682 incidents per 100k people, exceeding the national average by 8.8%.
- Commute:
- Only 0.6% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $770/month in rent to find a suitable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Jefferson City presents a blend of educational attainment and rental opportunities, with a notable 30.8% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. The median gross rent sits at $770, making it an accessible option for those looking to rent. However, with only 0.6% of the population commuting via public transit, residents should expect to rely heavily on cars for transportation.
Probably not your spot if: high property crime is a concern, as the rate is 1,682 per 100,000 residents.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median household income is $74,013, allowing for a comfortable living standard.
- Median gross rent is $770, while median home values are around $234,600.
- 30.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, reflecting a decent level of education in the community.
- 34.1% of the population are renters, indicating a significant portion of the community prefers renting over owning.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Missouri, the crime rates show a significant trend towards reduction in recent years. The property crime rate stands at 1,682.4 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 8.8%. The violent crime rate is 422.6 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly above the national average by 29.9%.
- Violent crime: 422.6 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 15.6% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,682.4 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 30.4% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 31.6% since 2022, currently at 7.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Missouri).
Schools & Higher Ed
Jefferson City has access to several educational institutions that contribute to the community's educational landscape.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 3
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 3
- Notable schools include Columbia College - Jefferson City, Lincoln University, and Missouri College of Cosmetology and Esthetics.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Jefferson City offers various outdoor spaces that residents can enjoy. Notable parks include:
- Jefferson City Memorial Park - 4.7 stars (670 reviews)
- McKay Park - 4.5 stars (621 reviews)
- Ellis-Porter Park - 4.5 stars (566 reviews)
- Missouri State Museum - 4.7 stars (456 reviews)
- Katy Trail - North Jefferson City Trailhead - 4.7 stars (226 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).