Watertown
RANK #219 / 996 NAT · #20 / 29 WI · POP 85,932
1YR FORECAST: +4.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +31%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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.
With a Boom Town Index score of 78/100, Jefferson County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. and median household income stands at $77,018 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in WI.
Housing in Jefferson County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $238,300 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $981/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Jefferson County's population is growing — up +1.3% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of -0.6%). Home values shifted +5.2% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
In significant numbers — 5.73% of Jefferson County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.
Home values climbed +5.2% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Jefferson County is now valued at $238,300. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.