Hamilton County is made up of several unique communities—each bringing its own character, strengths, and potential. While each town has its own identity, they’re all connected by a shared commitment to collaboration and regional growth.
IowaWORKS primarily provides job opportunities and services to Greene County residents through its expansive online platform, IowaWORKS.gov, which hosts the state’s largest database of open jobs. Residents can virtually access a wide range of free workforce services, including career counseling, resume assistance, and job search workshops, by connecting with the nearest American Job Center or utilizing the IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center during its visits to the area.
Jefferson and Greene County are actively addressing the critical shortage of affordable and workforce housing through multiple strategic initiatives and partnerships. The county’s efforts are centered on both new construction and preservation of existing stock, recognizing that housing is essential for attracting and retaining a workforce for local employers.
Time is valuable and who doesn't crave more quality time? In Jefferson, you don't have to deal with bumper-to-bumper traffic as most of the things you need are just minutes away. You could walk your child to school, go home over your lunch hour, and spend less time in the car and more time with family.
Affordable housing in Jefferson means you can more comfortably live the way you want! Whether you'd be interested in a new or existing home, resources are available to help you including local builders, realtors, and lenders.
Did you hear the school bond passed in Jefferson to build a new high school? Greene County voters approved a$21.48 million bond issue for a new high school and regional academy, equipped and staffed by Iowa Central Community College, as well as renovations to the current high school for use as a middle school. The total project will cost $35 million, with the community stepping forward to make up the difference. If you move back, your kids could take advantage of Greene County's new and renovated schools.
Safe Choice Security previously named Jefferson as the safest town in Iowa. The study considered both property and violent crime statistics to get a realistic insight into the actual incidences of crime in Iowa's towns and cities. Jefferson's officers are vigilant in their role to protect residents, and many have experience interacting with larger federal and state agencies. The vast majority of police calls are dedicated to public service.
Jefferson and the surrounding area is home to American Athletic, Aureon, B&D Manufacturing, Bauer Built, Greene County Medical Center, Landus Cooperative, Midland Power Cooperative, Power Lift, Scranton Manufacturing, and Wild Rose Casino & Resort. In addition, Jefferson received news that Pillar Technologies has signed a letter of intent to renovate a downtown building for a new office, and this company will employ software designers, engineers, and train future employees.
You'll never be bored with the same weather all year because Jefferson has four seasons, each more beautiful than the last. In the summer, swim at the Jefferson pool, join a recreation league, and join the fun at the Bell Tower Festival and Greene County Fair. Fall brings football games and trips to Deal's Orchard for apple picking and hayrack rides. When winter arrives, go sledding at Seven Hills and ice skating across from the public pool. Then in spring, there's camping at Spring Lake and fishing along the Raccoon River.
The Greene County Community Center, located in the heart of Jefferson, has full basketball courts, an indoor walking track, racquetball courts, exercise equipment, and wellness classes. Plus, the Raccoon River Valley Trail allows bike riders and walkers to travel from Jefferson to Des Moines on 80+ miles of paved trails. Perhaps you enjoy bowling, golfing, or swimming. We have it all in Jefferson!
The History Boy Theatre Company, located off the square, is a regional "up and comer" with theatrical shows featuring a mix of professionals and local talent. Did you know the local theatre where you saw movies when you grew up is now owned by the community? Sierra Community Theatre offers the latest sound system and picture quality. Wild Rose Casino & Resort has hosted big stars such as Wynonna Judd, Kenny Rogers, Blues Traveler, Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt, and Reba McIntire-right here in Jefferson.
Greene County Medical Center is a community-based system, committed to providing excellence in health services from beginning to end of life. It recently completed an expansion/renovation project totaling $22.5 million.
Google might brag about offering Gigabit internet service in big cities, but you can get high-speed internet in our small town. Jefferson Telecom has invested in the community by providing fiber to all homes and businesses in Jefferson and to rural farmsteads in the surrounding area. This fiber enables Jefferson Telecom customers to get the speed they need to work from home, stream movies, do online gaming, and much more. Speaking of working from home, have you ever thought about teleworking? You may be able to keep your current job but work from home in Jefferson.
Ames, Boone and Story County are proud of Iowa’s commitment to veterans and their families. Our area complements Iowa’s mission to welcome, employ, and honor those who serve our country.
We’ve joined the growing list of Home Base Iowa Communities who have committed to rolling out the red carpet and welcoming military members and their families leaving the service to becoming Iowans. The Home Base Iowa Communities initiative designates communities as centers of opportunity for military veterans and further highlights Iowa’s statewide commitment to welcoming veterans to the state.
Greene County is home to two strong school districts—Greene County Community Schools and Paton-Churdan Community Schools—known for academic excellence and strong community support. Greene County Schools serve approximately 1,300 K–12 students across six buildings with a dedicated staff of 200, consistently ranking in the top percentiles statewide and nationally. Paton-Churdan Community Schools, located in northern Greene County, provide a close-knit learning environment for about 150 students with 25 staff members, emphasizing personal attention and parental involvement.
Outdoor enthusiasts and families alike enjoy Greene County’s abundant recreational opportunities. The county is home to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, an 89-mile hard-surfaced trail connecting Jefferson to the Des Moines metro and offering opportunities for biking, jogging, and exploring Iowa’s natural beauty. Spring Lake Park, a 240-acre destination with a 50-acre lake, provides camping, fishing, swimming, cabin rentals, and a nostalgic indoor skating rink. Additional county parks like Hyde Park, Seven Hills, and Squirrel Hollow—one of Iowa’s oldest and listed on the National Register of Historic Places—offer camping, hiking, and river access. The North Raccoon River and several wildlife areas, including Dunbar Slough and Goose Lake, provide exceptional opportunities for boating, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing, showcasing Greene County’s commitment to conservation and outdoor recreation.
Greene County residents have access to comprehensive, high-quality healthcare through Greene County Medical Center (GCMC) in Jefferson. Serving the region with nearly 300 dedicated staff members, GCMC offers a full continuum of care—from family medicine, surgery, and obstetrics to long-term care and home health services. The facility features advanced technology, modernized patient suites, and specialized departments for rehabilitation, cardiac care, diabetes education, and more. Its 24-hour emergency department ensures around-the-clock access to urgent medical services, while the New Beginnings Birth Center and Ever Greene Ridge senior living community provide personalized care for all life stages. Supported by a committed medical staff and active volunteer auxiliary, GCMC exemplifies Greene County’s focus on compassionate, community-centered healthcare.
