Cost of Living in Jefferson County, New York

$1,214/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$181,000

Median Home Value

7% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,214/mo

7% above state average

Median Home Value

$181,000

36% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

28.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Jefferson County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Jefferson County$1,214/mo

New York Average$1,133/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,214/mo

Median Gross Rent

$181,000

Median Home Value

$1,076/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

28.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Jefferson County, New York

Jefferson County's housing squeeze

Jefferson County residents spend 22.4% of income on rent—the highest ratio in this survey and significantly above both national and state averages. With median household income of $64,978 and median rent of $1,214 monthly, housing costs strain household budgets.

Above-average housing burden

Jefferson County's 22.4% rent-to-income ratio substantially exceeds New York's 17.6% state average, making it a housing-cost outlier among upstate counties. Median rent of $1,214 approaches state average despite below-average county income, intensifying affordability pressure.

Priciest rent in the region

Jefferson County's $1,214 median rent far exceeds all upstate neighbors—$400 more than Herkimer County and $200 more than Greene County. This rental premium creates the region's most challenging affordability landscape.

Housing claims large income share

Jefferson County renters earning the median $64,978 annually pay $1,214 monthly—over 22% of gross income, leaving only 78% for other essential expenses. Homebuyers face a median monthly owner cost of $1,076 and median home value of $181,000, presenting significant affordability challenges.

Jefferson demands housing caution

Relocating to Jefferson County requires careful budget planning, as the 22.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds state average and strains household finances. The median rent of $1,214 makes other upstate counties significantly more affordable alternatives for budget-conscious movers.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

22.4%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,516

per month

Owner Cost Burden

19.9%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Jefferson County

Median home value is $181,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,445 vs. your max of $1,516.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio22.4%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Jefferson County, New York?

Jefferson County, New York has a median monthly rent of $1,214/mo and a median home value of $181,000. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 28.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Jefferson County?

The median gross rent in Jefferson County is $1,214/mo. This is 7% above state average for New York.

Is Jefferson County affordable?

Jefferson County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 28.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Jefferson County's rent compare to the state average?

Jefferson County's median rent of $1,214/mo is 7% above state average of $1,133/mo for New York.

What is the median home value in Jefferson County?

The median home value in Jefferson County, New York is $181,000. This is 36% below the national median home value of $281,900.