RANK #772 / 996 · POP 65,280 · OH
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.3%
Jefferson County, Ohio, situated along the Ohio River, is perhaps best known for Steubenville, its county seat, often called the "City of Murals" due to its numerous downtown artworks. The county, established in 1797 and named for Thomas Jefferson, lies on Ohio's eastern border, approximately 33 miles west of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Commuting options include local bus services within Steubenville, Mingo Junction, and Wintersville, with connections to Pittsburgh. The community maintains a strong sense of local identity, with many residents owning their homes. Natural scenery and outdoor recreation are prominent, with destinations like Friendship Park offering extensive acreage for camping, hiking, fishing, and boating, and Jefferson Lake State Park providing additional opportunities for outdoor activities. Life in Jefferson County is characterized by a blend of historical roots and evolving economic activity. The county's economy, historically reliant on steel production and heavy industry, is diversifying into areas such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and technology. Educational institutions like Franciscan University of Steubenville contribute to the local landscape. Efforts are underway to address housing needs, including initiatives to convert vacant lots into affordable homes. The county is served by six K-12 school districts and two private institutions, providing educational options for families.
Contracting economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.0x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
JSW Steel USA Ohio Inc. Electric Arc Furnace and Slab Caster Improvements
JSW Steel USA Ohio Inc.
|
$119M | Under Construction |
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 22/100, ranking #772 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -3.8% and a median household income of $53,124, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Jefferson County is $115,100 with median rent at $760/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4615, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.5% year-over-year. Job growth: -3.8%. Home values changed +2.3% in the past 12 months.