Jefferson County Public RecordsWisconsin

As of the 2020 Census, Jefferson County, WI, has a population of approximately 84,900. The median age is 41.5 years, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female. The racial and ethnic composition is 90.4% White, 1.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, 0.4% Native American, and 6.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The remaining percentage comprises individuals of two or more races or other backgrounds.

Jefferson County, WI, has about 54,000 registered voters out of a population of 85,000 (2022). Residents participate in local, state, and federal elections, including spring/nonpartisan and fall/partisan general elections. In the 2020 presidential election, turnout was 87%, with 54% voting Republican and 44% Democrat. There are 32 polling locations across 16 municipalities, overseen by the County Clerk’s office. Key issues include education funding and rural broadband. Both major parties, as well as minor parties, are active. Voter registration can be completed online, by mail, or in person at the municipal clerk’s office.

Jefferson County, WI, features 10 public high schools and several private institutions, with a high school graduation rate of 92%. About 24% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is emphasized, with incidents below the state average. The county offers various educational programs including Advanced Placement (AP) and technical education. Average standardized test scores are slightly above state averages. Adult education opportunities are provided through the local technical college. Overall, Jefferson County schools prioritize strong academics and comprehensive support programs for students.

As of 2023, Jefferson County, WI, had an unemployment rate of approximately 2.9%. Key industries include manufacturing (23% of employment), healthcare and social assistance (13%), and retail trade (11%). Top occupation types are production (17%), office and administrative support (13%), and sales (10%). About 76% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 24 minutes; nearly 33% work outside the county, primarily in Waukesha and Dane counties.

Jefferson County, WI has a homeownership rate of approximately 72%, with a median home value around $265,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is about $980 monthly. The market has seen modest appreciation of 4% year-over-year. Housing types include single-family homes, some townhouses, and limited apartments, especially in Watertown, Fort Atkinson, and Jefferson. Suburban and semi-rural neighborhoods dominate. Property tax rates average 1.99%, meaning annual taxes on a median-priced home are approximately $5,273. The county offers a blend of affordable living and small-town charm within commuting distance to Madison and Milwaukee.

In 2022, Jefferson County, WI reported a total crime rate of about 1,230 incidents per 100,000 residents, notably lower than the national average. Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, accounted for approximately 85% of cases, with 950 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime (including assault and robbery) was relatively low at 125 per 100,000. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office regularly publishes annual crime statistics and encourages public crime reporting through their website, supporting ongoing community safety initiatives and transparency.