1st Advantage MortgageIn Jefferson County, Florida, the typical household earns $61,212 a year and the typical rent is $898. A loan makes sense only if its total cost beats your alternatives and the payment fits your budget. Check the lender's Florida license first.
On this page
- Who lives in Jefferson County
- Jefferson County housing compared with Florida
- Paychecks and income spread in Jefferson County
- Employment and commuting in Jefferson County
- Jefferson County towns compared
- Jefferson County and the counties next door
- Jefferson County households compared
- What the numbers mean for Jefferson County borrowers
- Room for a loan payment in Jefferson County
- Four steps for Jefferson County borrowers
- Florida rules that apply in Jefferson County
- Related local guides
- Frequently asked questions
Who lives in Jefferson County
Roughly 15,091 residents live in Jefferson County, Florida, 61st by population among the state's 67 counties and county equivalents. Land area is 598 square miles (2024 Gazetteer), so density runs near 25 per square mile. For statistical purposes it belongs to the Tallahassee, FL metro area, as delineated by the Office of Management and Budget in July 2023. The Census Bureau counts 6 places in the county (1 incorporated, 5 census-designated); the largest is Monticello, with about 2,659 residents, or 18% of the county.
Jefferson County housing compared with Florida
Median gross rent, utilities included, comes to $898 in Jefferson County versus $1,669 statewide. 46% of renting households spend 30% or more of income on rent, and 32% spend half or more. Home values center on $232,600, or 3.8 years of median income. 76% of Jefferson County households own their home and 24% rent. The median year built is 1987.
| Measure | Jefferson County | Florida | Median U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $898/mo | $1,669/mo | $877/mo |
| Median home value | $232,600 | $359,000 | $185,300 |
| Owners | 76% | 68% | 75% |
| Rent-burdened renters | 46% | 60% | 45% |
| Burdened owners | 34% | 35% | n/a |
| Mobile homes | 29.2% | 8.0% | n/a |
| Vacant units | 16% | 15% | n/a |
Because most Jefferson County households own, home repairs are a frequent reason to borrow. An unsecured personal loan leaves the house out of the deal, while a HELOC uses it as collateral.
Paychecks and income spread in Jefferson County
At $61,212, the typical Jefferson County household income is 7% below the median U.S. county ($65,681). In the state ranking that is 44th of 67.
| Band | Jefferson County | Compared with Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 27.1% | +4.8 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 44.9% | +3.8 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 21.1% | -4.6 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 7.0% | -4.0 pts |
Some 27% of households here live on less than $35,000 a year; 28% have six-figure incomes. The poverty rate is 21.0%, 8 points higher than the state's 12.6%. Income from any regular source can count, including Social Security, pensions and disability benefits, as long as you can document it.
Employment and commuting in Jefferson County
The biggest employer of Jefferson County residents, by industry, is education and health care at 18% of workers, followed by retail trade (15%). The sharpest difference from the state is in public administration, at 12% locally and 4% for Florida. Averaged over the five survey years, 7.4% of the labor force was out of work and looking. 21% of commuters travel 45 minutes or more each way, and 6% work from home. 11.1% of households have no vehicle.
| Industry (employed residents 16+) | Jefferson County | Gap to Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 17.8% | -3.2 pts |
| Retail trade | 15.1% | +3.1 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 12.6% | -1.5 pts |
| Public administration | 12.3% | +8.1 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 11.3% | +0.3 pts |
| Construction | 6.6% | -1.6 pts |
Where long drives are the norm, a car repair is one of the most common surprise bills. A small repair fund can keep a breakdown from turning into a loan.
Jefferson County towns compared
6 Census places fall mainly inside Jefferson County; the 6 biggest are below. They account for 3,597 residents, leaving about 76% of the county in unincorporated, unnamed areas. This guide covers each of the 6 places and the rural areas around them.
| Community | Type | Residents | Household income (median) | Rent (median) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monticello | city | 2,659 | $46,343 | $799 | 10 mi |
| Wacissa | CDP | 355 | $64,534 | $1,225 | 6 mi |
| Aucilla | CDP | 203 | n/a | n/a | 11 mi |
| Lloyd | CDP | 187 | n/a | n/a | 9 mi |
| Waukeenah | CDP | 115 | n/a | n/a | 3 mi |
| Lamont | CDP | 78 | n/a | n/a | 7 mi |
CDPs are unincorporated communities the Census Bureau defines for counting.
Jefferson County and the counties next door
Nearest neighbors first, measured between county centers (22 to 36 miles). 2 of the six report a higher median household income than Jefferson County; Wakulla County is highest at $81,895 and Brooks County lowest at $46,807. The list crosses into Georgia, where different lending rules and regulators apply.
| County | Miles | Median household income | Median rent | Homeownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County | - | $61,212 | $898/mo | 76% |
| Leon County, FL | 22 mi | $66,287 | $1,291/mo | 53% |
| Madison County, FL | 27 mi | $48,485 | $874/mo | 73% |
| Thomas County, GA | 32 mi | $60,736 | $1,018/mo | 64% |
| Wakulla County, FL | 34 mi | $81,895 | $1,108/mo | 82% |
| Taylor County, FL | 34 mi | $49,073 | $988/mo | 76% |
| Brooks County, GA | 36 mi | $46,807 | $809/mo | 72% |
Jefferson County households compared
Degree holders: 19% of adults over 25. About 10% go without health insurance.
| Measure | Jefferson County | Florida statewide | Typical U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 47.6 | 42.6 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's or higher | 19.2% | 34.1% | 22.2% |
| No high school diploma | 11.6% | 10.1% | n/a |
| No health insurance | 9.7% | 11.5% | 7.8% |
| No vehicle | 11.1% | 6.0% | 5.4% |
| Work from home | 6.3% | 15.7% | 8.7% |
| Poverty rate | 21.0% | 12.6% | 13.2% |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 7.4% | 4.8% | 4.4% |
| Travel time to work | Workers |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 18.3% |
| 15 to 29 min | 23.3% |
| 30 to 44 min | 37.4% |
| 45 to 59 min | 14.6% |
| 60+ min | 6.5% |
What the numbers mean for Jefferson County borrowers
A few patterns in the Jefferson County data, and the practical point behind each:
- Vehicle repairs. 21% of Jefferson County workers commute 45+ minutes, so a breakdown can cost a paycheck. Get two written estimates.
- Manufactured homes. 29% of Jefferson County housing units are mobile homes, and their repairs are often paid with unsecured loans. Get the quote in writing.
- Fixed incomes. Jefferson County's median age is 47.6. Social Security and pensions count as income when documented.
- Lower-cost alternatives. In a county with 21% in poverty, nonprofit credit counseling may beat a loan (options).
Room for a loan payment in Jefferson County
The debt-to-income ratio is the main affordability test lenders use. Applied to Jefferson County's medians:
- Monthly gross at the median, Jefferson County: $5,101
- Housing at the median rent of $898 uses 18%
- 43% debt-to-income limit: $1,295 left for all other debt payments
Subtract what you already pay on other debts. A new payment should fit in what remains, with some to spare.
Four steps for Jefferson County borrowers
Steps that save money for Jefferson County residents:
- Know the exact dollar figure you need before talking to a lender.
- Shop at least three lenders, including one Jefferson County-area credit union.
- Confirm the lender is licensed in Florida.
- Lock paid-off cards after consolidating so balances stay at zero.
Florida rules that apply in Jefferson County
Before sharing details with a lender, a Jefferson County resident can confirm its license with the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau accepts complaints nationwide. The Florida guide covers state rules in more detail.
Related local guides
The Florida guide covers the whole state.
Frequently asked questions
How much do households in Jefferson County earn?
The median is $61,212; 28% earn $100,000 or more and 27% under $35,000. A lender uses your own documented income, not this figure.
How much is rent in Jefferson County?
Median gross rent, utilities included, is $898 a month; 46% of renters spend 30% or more of income on it.
I own my home in Jefferson County. Personal loan or HELOC?
A HELOC uses the house as collateral; a personal loan usually does not. With 76% of homes owner-occupied here, many readers can compare both in writing.
Does this page cover Monticello?
Yes, along with the other 5 Census places in Jefferson County, such as Wacissa, Aucilla, Lloyd.
Can Jefferson County residents use the questionnaire?
Yes. It asks the same questions in every Florida county, lists every requirement up front and does not affect your credit score.