RANK #134 / 996 · POP 58,043 · WV
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.5%
Jefferson County, West Virginia, is defined by its rich history and scenic location where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains. Harpers Ferry, a notable town within the county, is a National Historical Park and a significant site from the Civil War, also serving as the "psychological halfway point" of the Appalachian Trail. The county is the easternmost in West Virginia, approximately an hour's drive from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland, making it accessible for commuters. The community offers a blend of historic charm and natural beauty, with opportunities for whitewater rafting, hiking, and exploring numerous parks.
Life in Jefferson County often appeals to families and professionals seeking a balance between rural charm and access to metropolitan areas. Many residents commute to jobs outside the county, including to the Washington metropolitan area, drawn by a lower cost of living. The public school system in Jefferson County is considered above average. The local economy is driven by a mix of agriculture, tourism, and the equine industry, with Charles Town Racetrack being a major employer. Recently, there has been interest in developing data centers and energy projects in the county, which could further diversify the economic landscape.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.5x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
QTS Data Center Campus
QTS Realty Trust
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Rippon Solar Project
Rippon Energy (subsidiary of Torch Clean Energy LLC)
|
$125M | Planned |
|
Wild Hill Solar Project
Wild Hill Solar LLC (subsidiary of EDF Renewables)
|
$125M | Operating |
|
Blake Solar Plant
Horus West Virginia 1, LLC
|
$96M | Operating |
|
Franklintown Farms Solar Project
Enel Green Power
|
$80M | 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 87/100, ranking #134 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +5.5% and a median household income of $93,744, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Jefferson County is $303,400 with median rent at $1,073/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.309, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.9% year-over-year. Job growth: +5.5%. Home values changed +3.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.17% of Jefferson County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.