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Jefferson City, MO

Frequently asked questions

Jefferson City, MO

Jefferson City, informally Jeff City, is the capital of the U.S. state of Missouri. It had a population of 43,228 at the 2020 census, ranking as the 15th most populous city in the state. It is also the county seat of Cole County and the principal city of the Jefferson City Metropolitan Statistical Area, the second-most-populous metropolitan area in Mid-Missouri and the fifth-largest in the state. Most of the city is in Cole County, with a small northern section extending into Callaway County. Jefferson City is named for Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States.

Jefferson City is located on the northern edge of the Ozark Plateau on the southern side of the Missouri River in a region known as Mid-Missouri, which is roughly mid-way between the state's two large urban areas of Kansas City and St. Louis. It is 29 miles (47 km) south of Columbia, Missouri, and sits at the western edge of the Missouri Rhineland, one of the major wine-producing regions of the Midwest. The city is dominated by the domed Capitol, which rises from a bluff overlooking the Missouri River to the north; Lewis and Clark passed the bluff on their historic expedition upriver before Europeans established any settlement there.

Many of Jefferson City's primary employers are in the service and manufacturing industries. Jefferson City is also home to Lincoln University, a public historically black land-grant university founded in 1866 by the 62nd Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops with support from the 65th Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops.

In pre-Columbian times, this region was home to an ancient people known only as the "Mound Builders", being replaced by Osage Native Americans. In the late 17th century, frontiersmen started to inhabit the area, including Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, Louis Jolliet, Jacques Marquette, Robert de LaSalle, and Daniel Boone, with the latter having the greatest influence on the region. Daniel Boone's son, Daniel Morgan Boone, would later lay out Jefferson City in the early 19th century.

When the Missouri Territory was organized in 1812, St. Louis was Missouri's seat of government, and St. Charles would serve as the next capital. However, Jefferson City was chosen as the new capital in 1821. The village first was called "Lohman's Landing", and when the legislature decided to relocate there, they proposed the name "Missouriopolis" before settling on the city of "Jefferson" to honor Thomas Jefferson. Over the years, the city was most often referred to as "Jefferson City" and the name stuck. For years, this village was little more than a trading post located in the wilderness about midway between St. Louis and Kansas City. In 1825, the settlement was incorporated as a city and a year later, the Missouri legislature first met in Jefferson City.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 37.58 square miles (97.33 km2), of which 35.95 square miles (93.11 km2) is land and 1.63 square miles (4.22 km2) is water.

Jefferson City places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Healthcare facilities like SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital and Capital Region Medical Center, ensure access to quality medical services. For relaxation and rejuvenation, individuals can visit Fiore Wellness Center and La Boussole - Medical Spa & Wellness Center, known for their serene environment and holistic wellness treatments. Additionally, Graceful Healing Massage provides therapeutic massages to alleviate stress and promote overall well-being. Jefferson City CrossFit offers high-intensity workouts focused on functional movements to enhance strength and endurance. Limitless Yoga MO offers classes for individuals interested in practicing mindfulness and improving flexibility.

Top sites in Jefferson City, MO include the Missouri State Penitentiary, Missouri State Capitol, Missouri Governor's Mansion, and Missouri State Museum.
 

Population: 42,528 (2022). Elevation: 630 ft (192 m). Area: 37.65 sq mi (97.51 km2). ZIP Codes: 65101-65111. Area code(s): 573.

FAQs

Is Jefferson City, Missouri a nice place to live?

Jefferson City is in Cole County and is one of the best places to live in Missouri. Living in Jefferson City offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many young professionals live in Jefferson City and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Jefferson City are above average.

What is the crime rate in Jefferson City, MO?

The crime rate in Jefferson City is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 21 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Jefferson City is 1 in 47. Based on FBI crime data, Jefferson City is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Missouri, Jefferson City has a crime rate that is higher than 75% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

What is the cost of living in Jefferson City, MO?

Jefferson City is ranked 170 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Jefferson City is 91.9% of the national average. The median household income in Jefferson City is $56,781, which is 6% less than that of the state. The median income for an individual is $33,316, which is 7% less than that of the state. The average rent in Jefferson City (located in Jefferson City Metro) metro area for a 2-bed home is $830, which is 31% less than the average rent across the US. The cost of living index for housing estimates the cost of housing in Jefferson City to be 78.4% of the national average.

Sources

City of Jefferson City

Wikipedia

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

Flyhomes

Missouri State Penitentiary

Missouri State Capitol

Missouri Governor's Mansion

Missouri State Museum

SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital

Capital Region Medical Center

Fiore Wellness Center

La Boussole - Medical Spa & Wellness Center

Graceful Healing Massage

Jefferson City CrossFit

Limitless Yoga MO

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.