Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Jefferson County, IN, had a population of 33,140. The median age is about 41.8 years, with 49.2% male and 50.8% female residents. Racially, the county is predominantly White (92.8%), with smaller populations of Black or African American (2.2%), Asian (0.7%), and other races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprise 2.2% of the population, reflecting modest diversity in the county’s demographic makeup.
Elections
Jefferson County, Indiana, had 20,353 registered voters in 2022. Elections held include local, state, and federal races, with Republican and Democratic parties most active. In the 2020 presidential election, 69% voted Republican and 28% Democrat. There are 18 polling locations, such as the Jefferson County Courthouse. Key issues in recent ballots included school funding and local tax measures. The Jefferson County Election Board oversees registration and administration. Voter turnout recently averaged 55%. For 2024, early voting and mail-in options are also available to county residents.
Education, Employment and Housing
Jefferson County, IN, has 16 public schools, including 2 high schools. The high school graduation rate is about 88%, with 16% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher—below the state average. School safety is a focus, with low incident rates reported in recent years. The average public school test score is 47%, slightly under the Indiana state average. Adult education and vocational programs are available through Ivy Tech Community College. Specialized STEM and CTE (Career and Technical Education) programs enhance educational opportunities across the district.
As of 2022, Jefferson County, IN had an employment rate of about 56%, with a labor force participation rate of 60%. Major industries include manufacturing (30%), healthcare & social assistance (19%), and retail trade (10%). The most common occupations are production (19%), office & administrative support (12%), and sales (10%). Around 77% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes. While 72% work within the county, many also commute to neighboring areas like Clark and Scott counties. (Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2022; LEHD 2021).
Jefferson County, IN, has a homeownership rate of about 68%, with median home values around $167,000 and median rents near $825 monthly. The housing market has seen values rise approximately 5% over the past year. Housing types include historic homes in downtown Madison, newer suburban developments, and rural farmhouses. Notable neighborhoods are Madison’s Historic District and Clifty Falls area. Property taxes average 0.75% of assessed value, among Indiana's lower rates. Rental options are limited, contributing to competitive demand.
County Crime & Safety
Jefferson County, IN, maintains a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 850 total crimes, with 120 classified as violent crimes and 730 as property offenses. The crime rate stood at 22.5 per 1,000 residents, lower than Indiana’s average of 27.8. Local law enforcement emphasizes community policing and encourages active crime reporting through hotlines and online portals. Recent years saw a 7% decrease in burglaries and a consistent clearance rate of around 50%. Residents generally report feeling safe, attributing this to increased patrols and neighborhood watch initiatives.
Popular names
- John Collier
- Michael Smith
- James Collier
- Anthony Williams
- Brandy Phillips
- David Adams
- David Miller
- Ashley Johnson
- Brandon Smith
- Curtis Chatham
- David Johnson
- Donna Johnson
- James Lee
- Jason Smith
- John Smith
- Steven Smith
- Teresa Jones
- Tina Buchanan
- William Barnes
- Adam Jones
- Amy Johnson
- Amy Miller
- Charles Kietzman
- Christopher Taylor
- David Baker
- David Ferguson
- David Jackson
- David Smith
- David Wilson
- Donald Smith
- Donna Case
- James Graham
- James Jones
- John Davis
- John Harrell
- Joshua Johnson
- Katelyne Purvis
- Krystal Harmon
- Laura Grayson
- Lori Harrison
- Mark Smith
- Mary Hall
- Mary Taylor
- Michael Harris
- Paul Geyman
- Paul Kasper
- Peter Morrison
- Peter Murphy
- Richard Jones
- Robert Barker
- Robert Gray
- Robert Jones
- Ronald Smith
- Sandra Smith
- Susan Smith
- Tonya Smith
- William Weaver
- Abigail Miller
- Amanda Konkle
- Barbara Earl
Other Counties in Indiana
- Adams
- Allen
- Bartholomew
- Benton
- Blackford
- Boone
- Brown
- Carroll
- Cass
- Clark
- Clay
- Clinton
- Crawford
- Daviess
- De Kalb
- Dearborn
- Decatur
- Delaware
- Dubois
- Elkhart
- Fayette
- Floyd
- Fountain
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Gibson
- Grant
- Greene
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Harrison
- Hendricks
- Henry
- Howard
- Huntington
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jay
- Jennings
- Johnson
- Knox
- Kosciusko
- La Porte
- Lagrange
- Lake
- Lawrence
- Madison
- Marion
- Marshall
- Martin