RANK #175 / 996 · POP 85,932 · WI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.2%
Jefferson County, Wisconsin, offers a blend of agricultural heritage and natural beauty, situated between Madison and Milwaukee. Fort Atkinson, a notable town, is recognized for its dairy farming history, with institutions like Hoard's Dairyman Farm reflecting this legacy. The county's landscape, shaped by glaciers, features rolling hills and numerous waterways, including the Rock River, Crawfish River, and Bark River, providing opportunities for water recreation. Commuting is facilitated by proximity to I-94 and I-90, connecting residents to larger urban centers. The community maintains a rural feel, with abundant outdoor recreation options like biking and hiking trails, including the Glacial Drumlin State Trail, and 24 lakes and ponds for water activities.
Life in Jefferson County is characterized by a focus on community and access to outdoor activities. Public schools in the county generally perform at or above the state average in math and reading proficiency. The economy is significantly influenced by its agricultural roots, particularly dairy, grain, and egg production. Recent economic developments include investments in manufacturing and the establishment of a Food and Beverage Innovation Campus, aiming to attract new businesses and create jobs. These initiatives, alongside ongoing tourism growth, contribute to the county's economic picture, drawing in families and individuals seeking a balance of rural living with economic opportunities.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Kikkoman Foods New Manufacturing Facility
Kikkoman Foods, Inc.
|
$560M | Under Construction |
|
ClonBio Group Ethanol Plant Expansion
ClonBio Group
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Whitewater Solar Park
We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS)
|
$411M | Proposed |
|
Ixonia Liquefied Natural Gas Storage Facility
We Energies
|
$200M | Operating |
|
Nestlé Purina PetCare Plant Expansion
Nestlé Purina PetCare
|
$195M | Completed |
|
Badger State Solar Farm
Ranger Power
|
$149M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Jefferson County has a Boom Town Index score of 82/100, ranking #175 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.6% and a median household income of $77,018, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Jefferson County is $238,300 with median rent at $981/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3232, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.3% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.6%. Home values changed +5.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.73% of Jefferson County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.