2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Madison, WI vs Jefferson, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Jefferson older or younger than people in Madison?
- The Median Age in Jefferson is 16.2 years older than in Madison.

Are housing costs cheaper in Jefferson or Madison?
- Jefferson housing costs are 58.7% less expensive than Madison housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Jefferson or Madison?
- The average commute for residents of Jefferson is 2.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Madison.

Things to do in Madison?
Madison, Wisconsin is a vibrant city with a unique mix of culture and history. Take a stroll through State Street and explore the city's many art galleries, bookstores and some of the best restaurants in the Midwest. Visit University of Wisconsin-Madison for some stunning architecture and inspiring scientific research, or take in an outdoor concert at Breese Stevens Field. With its beautiful lakeshore backdrop, lively farmers markets, and incredible cultural events,Madison is an ideal place to live and visit!

Things to do in Jefferson?
Living in Jefferson, IA is a truly unique experience. Located just west of Des Moines, this small town of about 4,500 has a lot to offer its residents. The downtown area offers quaint shops and restaurants that give the area its classic small-town feel. The locals are friendly and welcoming, often coming together for seasonal events such as outdoor concerts or local farmers markets. There is an abundance of outdoor activities around the town including fishing at nearby rivers, biking along the trails and hiking through the wooded areas. With low crime rates and a great school system, Jefferson is a safe and desirable place to live.

 Madison, WIJefferson, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock4,178329,725,481
 Median Income$70,466  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock47.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$337,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.43  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Madison    78 Reviews

Unfortunately, a number of these reviews are politically based. Madison remains the only shining star in Wisconsin’s economy. The economy is broadly based, with  More

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Have been living in Madison for almost 3 years. It’s very safe, ppl generally friendly and for a town of its size it has fair number of good restaurants and interesting  More

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Lacks balance and zero accountability.   More

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Reviews for Jefferson    2 Reviews

Over 7 years ago

We moved to Jefferson from another state and love it here. We've been made to feel welcome by so many folks. People are kind here and there's a focus on the community.  More

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Over 11 years ago

Life is good in Jefferson. Low crime, low cost of living, small town friendliness, good access to health care, close enough to larger metropolitan amenities. Good  More

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