Jefferson, Elkhart County, IN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,307
-0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$82,106/yr
-1.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,117
-0.2% year-over-year change

Jefferson population

How many people live in Jefferson

Jefferson is home to 12,307 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Jefferson locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
12,307
-0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
6,100
Female
50.4%
6,207
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,100 49.6% 0.2%
Female 6,207 50.4% -0.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Jefferson is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.7% are children under 15, then 17% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.1% of the population, while another 23% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
35
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.7%
15 to 24
17%
25 to 44
23.1%
45 to 64
23%
Over 65
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,922 23.7% -6.6%
15 to 24 2,096 17% 8.2%
25 to 44 2,841 23.1% -0.6%
45 to 64 2,828 23% 1.5%
Over 65 1,620 13.2% 0.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Jefferson, 90.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79.4% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 10.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 8.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.9%
Non-citizens
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,157 90.7% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 608 4.9% -13.9%
Non-citizens 542 4.4% 30.3%
Racial breakdown
White
79.4%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
8.5%
Other
10.4%
Value Percent
White 9,774 79.4%
Black or African American 127 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 19 0.2%
Asian 48 0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 15 0.1%
Two or more races 1,049 8.5%
Other 1,274 10.4%

Households in Jefferson

A peek inside Jefferson households

Jefferson has 3,769 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 76.3% are families, while the remaining 23.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,769
0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
894
Family households
2,875
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 894 23.7% -13.0%
Family households 2,875 76.3% 5.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Jefferson

The housing landscape of Jefferson

Jefferson's housing consists of 4,117 units, with 79.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,117
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,266 79.4%
1 unit, attached 124 3%
2 units 125 3%
3 or 4 units 173 4.2%
5 to 9 units 38 0.9%
10 to 19 units 14 0.3%
20 to 49 units 27 0.7%
Mobile home 342 8.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 7 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
20
233.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Jefferson

In Jefferson, the median construction year is 1984. About 17.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 737 17.9% 2.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 135 3.3% 18.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 259 6.3% -4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 241 5.8% -2.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 536 13% 3.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 474 11.5% -3.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 766 18.6% 6.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 687 16.7% -2.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 263 6.4% -22.0%
Built in 2020 or later 20 0.5% 233.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Jefferson occupancy rates

Out of the 3,769 occupied housing units in Jefferson, 81.4% are owner-occupied, while 18.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,769
0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
703
Owner occupied
3,066
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 703 18.6% -4.6%
Owner occupied 3,066 81.4% 1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
8.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Jefferson housing costs

Housing costs in Jefferson come to a median of $1,066 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,072.

Median housing costs per month
$1,066/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Jefferson
$1,072/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Jefferson

Jefferson education at a glance

About 40% of the population in Jefferson went to high school, while 21.7% pursued college studies. Another 5.7% earned an associate degree and 14.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,048 12.1% 4.6%
High school diploma 3,457 40% 5.6%
College diploma 1,876 21.7% 3.4%
Associate degree 490 5.7% -4.7%
Bachelor's degree 1,219 14.1% -6.1%
Graduate degree 550 6.4% 0.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Jefferson

How much people earn in Jefferson

The average annual household income in Jefferson was $100,689 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $82,106, reflecting a -1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Jefferson
$100,689/year
6.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Jefferson
$82,106/year
-1.1% year-over-year change

Jefferson income by age

In Jefferson, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,430. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $104,551 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $63,223, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $55,995 in earnings. Overall, 89.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $63,223 7.9%
25 - 44 $90,430 4.2%
45 - 64 $104,551 6.1%
Over 65 $55,995 -0.1%
Above poverty level
10,815
Below poverty level
1,217
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,815 89.9% 3.4%
Below poverty level 1,217 10.1% -18.1%

Employment in Jefferson

Workforce and job types in Jefferson

63.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.3% run their own businesses, 71.1% are employed by private companies, and 9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,740
Blue collar
2,169
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,740 63.3% 1.4%
Blue collar 2,169 36.7% 4.8%
Employer type
Self employees
9.3%
Private companies
71.1%
Governmental workers
9%
Not for profit companies
10.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 548 9.3% 1.9%
Private companies 4,202 71.1% 1.3%
Governmental workers 531 9% 13.2%
Not for profit companies 629 10.6% 4.3%

Transportation in Jefferson

How people get around in Jefferson

Commuting methods vary: 94.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,090 94.8% 1.4%
Taxicab 22 0.4% -18.5%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0% 0.0%
Bicycle 140 2.6% 60.9%
Walk 118 2.2% 43.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Jefferson by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
46507 9,991 3,378 $82,683 $104,654
46528 26,248 7,880 $81,529 $103,889

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FAQs about Jefferson demographics 

What is the total population of Jefferson?

Jefferson has a total population of 12,307 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Jefferson?

The gender ratio in Jefferson is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (6,100 residents)
  • 50.4% females (6,207 residents)

What is the median age in Jefferson?

The median age in Jefferson is 35.

What is the age distribution of the population in Jefferson?

The age distribution in Jefferson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.7% (2,922 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17% (2,096 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.1% (2,841 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23% (2,828 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.2% (1,620 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Jefferson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Jefferson is as follows:
  • White: 79.4% (9,774 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (127 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (19 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (48 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (15 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.5% (1,049 residents)
  • Other: 10.4% (1,274 residents)

What percentage of the population in Jefferson are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.7% of the population in Jefferson.

How many housing units are there in Jefferson?

There are 4,117 housing units in Jefferson, reflecting a -0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Jefferson and what is the average household size?

Jefferson has a total of 3,769 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Jefferson?

Jefferson has a median household income of $82,106, representing a -1.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Jefferson?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.3% (3,740 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.7% (2,169 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.3% (548 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.1% (4,202 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9% (531 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.6% (629 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025