1st Advantage MortgageJefferson County (64,802 residents) has a $51,096 median household income and $888 median rent, by the latest Census five-year survey. Whatever your own numbers, compare written offers on APR, fees and total cost, and verify the lender is licensed in Arkansas before sharing details.
On this page
- Jefferson County by the numbers
- Where Jefferson County households live
- Earnings across Jefferson County households
- Employment and commuting in Jefferson County
- Jefferson County's most unusual numbers
- Pine Bluff and the rest of Jefferson County
- How Jefferson County compares with nearby counties
- $4,258 a month: the Jefferson County median budget
- Local borrowing considerations for Jefferson County
- More Jefferson County figures
- Steps before you apply in Jefferson County
- Checking a lender's license in Arkansas
- More guides for Jefferson County
- Frequently asked questions
Jefferson County by the numbers
Roughly 64,802 residents live in Jefferson County, Arkansas, 11th by population among the state's 75 counties and county equivalents. Its 872 square miles average 74 people per square mile, by the 2024 Census Gazetteer. Under the July 2023 OMB definitions, Jefferson County is not part of any metropolitan area. Pine Bluff (39,743 people) heads the county's list of 9 Census places, 7 incorporated and 2 census-designated.
Where Jefferson County households live
Median gross rent, utilities included, comes to $888 in Jefferson County versus $947 statewide. Rent takes 30% or more of income for 46% of renter households here. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $113,400, about 2.2 times the median household income. The ownership rate is 62%. Half the housing stock was built before 1978. Nationally, Jefferson County's $888 rent is about level with the middle county.
| Measure | Jefferson County | Arkansas | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owners | 62% | 66% | -4.6 pts |
| Median home value | $113,400 | $188,000 | 40% lower |
| Burdened owners | 25% | 22% | +2.5 pts |
| Rent-burdened renters | 46% | 45% | +1.3 pts |
| Median gross rent | $888/mo | $947/mo | 6% lower |
Earnings across Jefferson County households
The median household income in Jefferson County is $51,096; statewide it is $60,773, so Jefferson County runs 16% below Arkansas as a whole. Only 39 Arkansas counties post a higher median.
| Income band | Share in Jefferson County | Difference from Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 34.7% | +5.8 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 46.5% | +3.4 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 15.2% | -6.0 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 3.6% | -3.1 pts |
35% under $35,000 and 19% at $100,000 or more: that is the Jefferson County income split. Census counts 18.6% of Jefferson County residents in poverty, against 16.0% across Arkansas. If your income is irregular, as it often is with tips, gig work or seasonal jobs, plan around your leaner months rather than the Jefferson County median.
Employment and commuting in Jefferson County
Education and health care employs 24% of working residents, the largest share; manufacturing is next with 17%. Relative to Arkansas (4%), public administration is 6 points bigger in Jefferson County (11%). Averaged over the five survey years, 8.1% of the labor force was out of work and looking. 29% of Jefferson County workers get to work in under 15 minutes, while 14% need 45 or more. Only 7.5% of homes here go without a vehicle.
| Top industries | Jefferson County share | +/- vs Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 23.8% | -0.2 pts |
| Manufacturing | 17.4% | +4.7 pts |
| Retail trade | 11.6% | -1.6 pts |
| Public administration | 10.6% | +6.1 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 9.0% | +1.2 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 7.2% | -1.1 pts |
Self-employed in Jefferson County? Two years of tax returns usually stand in for pay stubs.
Jefferson County's most unusual numbers
Out of every Arkansas county, Jefferson County is most unusual on these measures.
- The uninsured rate: 5.1% in Jefferson County. Only 4 of 75 Arkansas counties are lower. Lower uninsured rates still leave deductibles; check what a plan covers first.
- Few Arkansas counties match Jefferson County on homeownership: 62% here, 66% for the state, ranking 11th lowest of 75. Many renters means few borrowers have home equity to fall back on.
- Few Arkansas counties match Jefferson County on median gross rent: $888/mo here, $947/mo for the state, ranking 12th highest of 75. High rent is the first thing a lender's ratio will see.
Pine Bluff and the rest of Jefferson County
Places, by size: the top 9 of 9. Roughly 25% of Jefferson County lives outside all of them, in open country or unnamed settlements. Among places of 500 or more people, median income runs from $36,641 in Sulphur Springs to $78,092 in White Hall. Rent is cheapest in Altheimer ($736) and steepest in Redfield ($1,174). Live in one of these Jefferson County communities, or between them? This is your local guide.
| Name | Kind | Pop. | Income | Rent | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Bluff | city | 39,743 | $42,718 | $855 | 7 mi |
| White Hall | city | 5,512 | $78,092 | $985 | 10 mi |
| Redfield | city | 1,734 | $71,696 | $1,174 | 19 mi |
| Sulphur Springs | CDP | 564 | $36,641 | n/a | 14 mi |
| Altheimer | city | 517 | $42,663 | $736 | 6 mi |
| Wabbaseka | town | 360 | $38,917 | $1,104 | 10 mi |
| Humphrey | city | 220 | $17,969 | $540 | 16 mi |
| Tucker | CDP | 73 | n/a | n/a | 11 mi |
| Sherrill | town | 41 | n/a | n/a | 8 mi |
How Jefferson County compares with nearby counties
The six counties whose centers lie closest to Jefferson County's, from 25 to 40 miles away. Income ranges from $51,778 in Lincoln County to $72,828 in Lonoke County; all six of these neighbors top Jefferson County's median.
| Neighbor | Distance | Income | Rent | Own |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County | - | $51,096 | $888/mo | 62% |
| Lincoln County, AR | 25 mi | $51,778 | $744/mo | 76% |
| Grant County, AR | 28 mi | $71,549 | $788/mo | 81% |
| Cleveland County, AR | 30 mi | $54,794 | $536/mo | 83% |
| Arkansas County, AR | 32 mi | $53,164 | $843/mo | 65% |
| Lonoke County, AR | 33 mi | $72,828 | $1,025/mo | 75% |
| Pulaski County, AR | 40 mi | $62,873 | $1,080/mo | 57% |
$4,258 a month: the Jefferson County median budget
Here is the Jefferson County median household run through a simple DTI check. Your numbers will differ.
- Start: $4,258 gross per month ($51,096 / 12)
- 21% goes to median rent ($888)
- $645: what a 36% ratio leaves once rent is paid
Homeowners in Jefferson County should swap in their mortgage, taxes and insurance for rent.
Local borrowing considerations for Jefferson County
What the Jefferson County figures suggest, and what to check first:
- Mobile home upkeep. 13% of units fall in this category; roof, skirting and HVAC jobs are common reasons to borrow.
- Help that costs nothing. About 12,024 Jefferson County residents live in poverty; see free options before a loan.
- Renters under pressure. When 46% pay 30% or more for rent, the smallest loan that solves the problem is the right size.
More Jefferson County figures
Bachelor's degree or higher: 20% of Jefferson County adults. Health coverage gaps: 5.1% of Jefferson County residents are uninsured.
| Residents | Jefferson County | Difference from Arkansas | Difference from middle U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 39.7 | +1.2 yrs | -1.8 yrs |
| Bachelor's or higher | 20.1% | -5.7 pts | -2.1 pts |
| No high school diploma | 11.6% | +0.3 pts | n/a |
| No health insurance | 5.1% | -3.9 pts | -2.7 pts |
| No vehicle | 7.5% | +1.7 pts | +2.1 pts |
| Work from home | 5.0% | -3.8 pts | -3.6 pts |
| Poverty rate | 18.6% | +2.6 pts | +5.4 pts |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 8.1% | +3.2 pts | +3.7 pts |
| Commute length | Jefferson County |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 29.0% |
| 15 to 29 min | 43.6% |
| 30 to 44 min | 13.9% |
| 45 to 59 min | 7.3% |
| 60+ min | 6.3% |
Steps before you apply in Jefferson County
Steps that save money for Jefferson County residents:
- Size the loan to the bill, not to the most a lender offers.
- Compare the total repaid on every offer, not just the payment.
- A Arkansas license check takes minutes; do it first.
- Pick the shortest term whose payment still fits.
Checking a lender's license in Arkansas
Before sharing details with a lender, a Jefferson County resident can confirm its license with the Arkansas State Bank Department. Banks and credit unions have their own regulators, and the CFPB takes complaints about any lender. Statewide data and rules: Arkansas guide.
More guides for Jefferson County
Next step up from Jefferson County:
Frequently asked questions
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
$51,096 a year in the 2020 to 2024 Census survey, versus $60,773 for Arkansas. It ranks 40th of 75 in the state.
How does Jefferson County rent compare with Arkansas?
$888 locally versus $947 for the state, 6% below.
How many towns are in Jefferson County?
The Census Bureau counts 9 places mainly in the county, led by Pine Bluff, White Hall, Redfield, Sulphur Springs, Altheimer.
Does living in Jefferson County change what I qualify for?
Not in our fit check, which uses only the amount, credit range, income and payments you enter, the same for a Jefferson County resident as anyone. Lenders decide under fair-lending law.
What agency protects Jefferson County borrowers?
The Arkansas State Bank Department at the state level and the CFPB federally.