Jefferson County, New York

Income Data

-15% vs. New York average
$64,978
Median Household Income
$34,603
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$64,978
-15% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,603
-12% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
35.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in New York
#48 / 62
by median household income

How Jefferson County Compares

Jefferson County$64,978
New York Average$76,433
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$64,978
Median Household Income
$34,603
Per Capita Income
$181,000
Median Home Value
35.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Jefferson County, New York

Jefferson lags national income standard

Jefferson County's median household income of $64,978 ranks 13.1% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting regional economic challenges. The $9,777 annual earnings gap compounds over a lifetime, limiting wealth accumulation opportunities.

Lower third among New York counties

Jefferson County ranks 51st of 62 New York counties for median household income, falling $11,455 below the state average of $76,433. Per capita income of $34,603 trails the state average by 15.9%, indicating below-average earning power across the population.

Below most upstate peers

Jefferson's $64,978 median exceeds only Fulton County ($62,615) among the eight surveyed counties, significantly trailing Genesee ($72,055), Greene ($74,011), and Hamilton ($68,950). The county ranks among the most economically challenged in the region.

Housing affordability severely strained

Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.4%—the highest in the eight-county group—signals housing stress despite affordable absolute costs. Median home values of $181,000 require nearly 2.8 years of median household income, straining household budgets already constrained by lower earnings.

Prioritize emergency savings first

Jefferson County households should focus on building 3-6 months of emergency savings before investing, given tight budgets and housing pressures. Free financial literacy programs and credit counseling services are essential tools for residents working to build financial stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Jefferson County, New York?
The median household income in Jefferson County, New York is $64,978, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Jefferson County?
The per capita income in Jefferson County is $34,603, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $64,978.
How does Jefferson County compare to the New York average?
Jefferson County's median household income of $64,978 is lower than the New York state average of $76,433. The per capita income is $34,603, compared to the state average of $41,133.
What is the per capita income in Jefferson County, New York?
The per capita income in Jefferson County, New York is $34,603, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Jefferson County a low-income area in New York?
Jefferson County's median household income of $64,978 is below the New York average of $76,433. The per capita income of $34,603 is also lower than the state average of $41,133. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Jefferson County rank for income in New York?
Jefferson County ranks #48 out of 62 counties in New York by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $64,978 and per capita income of $34,603, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $64,978 per year

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vs. State Average

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.