Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Jamaica, NY
Considering a move to Jamaica, NY? Home to about 217,000 residents, Jamaica offers vibrant diversity, rich transit options, and a dynamic urban feel. Median home values are around $580,000, with average rents at $2,200, and a cost of living above the national average. Residents enjoy a high rate of public transit use, a moderate crime rate, and a wide range of educational opportunities including York College. Expect four distinct seasons, a bustling community, and plenty of amenities for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Jamaica, NY
Demographics - Jamaica, NY
Jamaica, NY is a densely populated and diverse urban community with a population of approximately 217,000. The area features a blend of ethnic backgrounds, with significant Black, Asian, and other minority communities, and around 37% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The median age is 36, making it a vibrant neighborhood for both families and young professionals.
Population:
217,000
Density:
20,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
37.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
6.2%
Black:
36.3%
Asian:
17.9%
Others:
39.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Jamaica, NY?
Living in Jamaica comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with the index at 146, driven by housing costs where median home values reach about $580,000 and rents average $2,200 per month. Utilities and transportation are also above national averages, and state taxes range from 4% to nearly 11%. Residents should budget thoughtfully for housing and everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$580,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
146.0
Grocery:
142.5
Housing:
170.2
Utilities:
118.7
Transportation:
140.1
Health Care:
120.3
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Jamaica, NY a safe place to live?
Jamaica experiences a moderate crime rate, with about 422 violent crimes and 1,210 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 237, while property crime risk is 1 in 83. While the area is generally busy and urban, staying aware of your surroundings and taking standard safety precautions is advised.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
422
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,210
Crime Index:
1,632
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 237
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Jamaica, NY year-round?
Residents in Jamaica enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 84°F and cold winters dipping to around 27°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 56% of the year. This climate offers a balanced mix of seasonal activities and outdoor enjoyment.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The community in Jamaica boasts a median household income of $72,400, though about 15% of residents live below the poverty line. Public transportation is widely used, with nearly half of residents commuting by transit and average commute times approaching 50 minutes. The neighborhood is marked by its linguistic diversity and a mix of renters and homeowners.
Median Income:
$45,000
Household Income:
$72,400
Family Income:
$80,200
Per Capita Income:
$29,600
Income Male:
$40,100
Income Female:
$36,400
Poverty Rate:
15.2%
Non English Speakers:
37.5%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
46.8%
Commute Time:
49.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
79.4%
Bachelors or More:
22.1%
Education
How are the schools in Jamaica, NY?
Jamaica offers a range of educational opportunities, from large public schools like Hillcrest High School to private and parochial options. Higher education is accessible with York College located in the neighborhood and St. John's University just two miles away. The area supports both K-12 and college students, making it suitable for families prioritizing education.
Public Schools
Name:
Hillcrest High School
Street:
160-05 Highland Ave
Phone:
718-658-5407
Students:
3,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.4
Name:
PS 131 Abigail Adams
Street:
170-45 84th Ave
Phone:
718-526-1900
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Nicholas of Tolentine School
Street:
80-22 Parsons Blvd
Phone:
718-380-1900
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
York College, City University of New York
City:
Jamaica
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,000
Name:
St. John's University
City:
Queens
State:
NY
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
20,000
Healthcare
Jamaica offers robust healthcare access, featuring major hospitals like Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Queens Hospital Center, both of which provide emergency services. There are about 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 92% of the population has health insurance coverage. The healthcare index suggests reliable services and accessibility for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
Address:
8900 Van Wyck Expy, Jamaica, NY 11418
Phone:
(718) 206-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Queens Hospital Center
Address:
82-68 164th St, Jamaica, NY 11432
Phone:
(718) 883-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Jamaica, NY?
The housing market in Jamaica is competitive, with a median home price of $580,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,200. Only about 38% of residences are owner-occupied, and the area sees a steady appreciation rate of 6.2% annually. Rental vacancies remain low, reflecting high demand and limited new construction.
Median Home Price:
$580,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
37.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents of Jamaica can access DMV services at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles located on Rockaway Blvd. The office provides standard licensing, registration, and vehicle services for the state, and more information can be found on the official DMV website. This convenient location serves the local community's driving and registration needs.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
168-35 Rockaway Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434
Phone:
1-718-966-6155
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.