Living in West Jefferson, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of West Jefferson · Census data 2020–2024
West Jefferson has 1,436 residents with a median age of 43.4. The median household income is $46,827 (35% lower than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $232,400, the median rent is $484/month.
West Jefferson is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
West Jefferson at a glance
- Population
- 1,436
- Median age
- 43.4State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $46,827State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $232,400State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $484/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 54.4%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 22.2%
- Average commute
- 16 min
Is West Jefferson a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 20% lower than the state median; an average commute of 16 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 35% lower than the North Carolina median; unemployment of 12.7%; a poverty rate of 20.8%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in West Jefferson
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In West Jefferson the median home value is $232,400, 30% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $484 per month, which is 28.3% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,096 a month in housing costs.
West Jefferson median household income
The median household income in West Jefferson is $46,827 and the income per person is $27,923. 20.8% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in West Jefferson: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 747
- Owner-occupied
- 54.4%
- Renter-occupied
- 45.6%
- Vacant
- 26%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1969
- Average household size
- 2.40
West Jefferson demographics
- Population
- 1,436
- Median age
- 43.4
- Under 18
- 18.9%
- 65 and older
- 26.9%
- Households
- 553
- Foreign-born
- 7.3%
- Veterans
- 5.2%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of West Jefferson ›
Education in West Jefferson
22.2% of adults 25 and older in West Jefferson have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 7% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in West Jefferson
- Unemployment rate
- 12.7%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 16 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 10.1%
- Drive alone
- 76.3%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 4%
- Homes with broadband
- 78.3%
West Jefferson vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Jefferson | 1,436 | $46,827 | $232,400 | $484 |
| Jefferson | 1,864 | $40,590 | $236,000 | $748 |
| Lansing | 165 | $48,750 | $169,400 | $954 |
| Boone | 20,032 | $30,065 | $411,100 | $1,111 |
| Cove Creek | 1,629 | $52,847 | $295,700 | $1,601 |
| Mountain City | 2,542 | $38,818 | $216,300 | $516 |
| Millers Creek | 1,689 | $63,125 | $227,200 | $695 |
| Blowing Rock | 992 | $120,938 | $705,000 | $1,278 |
| Mulberry | 2,037 | $51,919 | $172,400 | $604 |
More for people moving to West Jefferson
West Jefferson ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in West Jefferson: FAQ
What is the median household income in West Jefferson, NC?
The median household income in West Jefferson is $46,827, 35% lower than the North Carolina median of $72,388 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in West Jefferson?
The median home value in West Jefferson is $232,400, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in West Jefferson?
The median gross rent in West Jefferson is $484 per month, about 28.3% of household income.
Is West Jefferson, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 20% lower than the state median; an average commute of 16 minutes. Minuses: median household income 35% lower than the North Carolina median; unemployment of 12.7%; a poverty rate of 20.8%.
What is the median age in West Jefferson?
The median age in West Jefferson is 43.4 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in West Jefferson?
The average commute to work in West Jefferson is 16 minutes; 10.1% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in West Jefferson?
The unemployment rate in West Jefferson is 12.7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is West Jefferson?
22.2% of adults in West Jefferson have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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