Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jefferson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jefferson County ranks #862 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Florida
Jefferson leads on affordability ratios
Jefferson County residents spend just 16.6% of income on rent—the lowest ratio of all eight counties and dramatically below Florida's 22.5% state average. With a median household income of $56,984 and median rent of $790, Jefferson achieves exceptional affordability that few Florida markets can match.
Florida's most affordable county overall
Jefferson County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio stands alone among Florida's 67 counties, making it the state's gold standard for housing affordability. The median rent of $790 trails only Holmes County ($823) and Jackson County ($846), creating unmatched savings for renters.
Unmatched value in the region
Jefferson's $790 monthly rent is the cheapest of all eight counties, with only Holmes County ($823) coming close. The median home value of $198,800 sits mid-range regionally, but the 16.6% rent-to-income ratio means Jefferson renters save more than any peer, leaving money for savings or other needs.
Rents and ownership both exceptionally cheap
Renters dedicate just $790 monthly (16.6% of income) while homeowners pay $664 for mortgages and ownership costs. At a median household income of $56,984, Jefferson residents enjoy the county's remarkable property tax or land cost advantages, enabling genuine wealth-building opportunities.
Jefferson County is Florida's affordability champion
Relocating to Jefferson means maximizing savings: $790 rents (lowest in the region) and a 16.6% rent-to-income ratio that frees up nearly one-quarter more income than the state average. For budget-conscious Floridians or out-of-state movers, Jefferson offers the state's best opportunity to achieve genuine housing affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jefferson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Jefferson County is affordable. The median rent is $790/month against a median household income of $56,984, putting rent at 16.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Jefferson County is $790/month, while owner costs run $664/month. Owning saves approximately $126/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,457/year. With a median household income of $56,984, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Jefferson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Florida, Jefferson County is less affordable than Jackson County by roughly 7% ($790/mo vs $846/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson County
Rent Burden
16.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,330
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.0%
of gross income
The median home in Jefferson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $198,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,587 vs. your max of $1,330.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Jefferson County, Florida?
What is the median rent in Jefferson County?
Is Jefferson County affordable?
How does Jefferson County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Jefferson County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Jefferson County, Florida? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Jefferson County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.