Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Jamestown, NY
Thinking of moving to Jamestown, NY? With a population of about 28,400, Jamestown offers affordable living, with median home prices around $73,500 and average rents near $690. Commute times are short at just 15 minutes, and you’ll find local schools, healthcare, and community colleges nearby. While crime rates are higher than national averages, the city’s cost of living is well below the U.S. norm, and Jamestown’s four-season climate brings snowy winters and pleasant summers. Explore more below to see if Jamestown fits your lifestyle and budget.
Demographics - Jamestown, NY
Demographics - Jamestown, NY
Jamestown, NY is home to around 28,400 residents, offering a dense urban feel with a median age of just under 39. The population is predominantly White, but the city also includes a mix of Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and about 8.5% speak a language other than English at home. This diversity and moderate age range contribute to a welcoming community suited for families and individuals alike.
Population:
28,393
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.7
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
81.2%
Black:
7.4%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
10.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Jamestown, NY?
Jamestown stands out for its affordability, with a median home value of just $73,500 and average rents around $690, making it a budget-friendly choice compared to national averages. The cost of living index is 79.8, well below the U.S. average, while utilities and healthcare are close to national norms. Residents also benefit from reasonable grocery and transportation costs, providing good value for essentials.
Median House Value:
$73,500
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,160
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.8
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
38.0
Utilities:
102.0
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
102.0
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Jamestown, NY a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Jamestown are higher than average, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 38 and violent crime at 1 in 265 each year. While safety is a concern, being aware of neighborhoods and taking common precautions can help residents feel secure. Community policing and local initiatives may also provide added peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
377
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,655
Crime Index:
3,032
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 265
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 38
Weather
What is the weather like in Jamestown, NY year-round?
Jamestown experiences four distinct seasons, including snowy winters with lows around 15°F and warm, pleasant summers reaching up to 80°F. The city receives about 41 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 44% of days. This climate is great for those who appreciate a true change of seasons and outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
35°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Jamestown's neighborhoods feature a median household income of roughly $39,000 and a higher-than-average poverty rate at 26.7%. Most residents experience short commutes of about 15 minutes and the area is largely English-speaking, though 8.5% use another language at home. The community values education, with 85% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$23,800
Household Income:
$39,000
Family Income:
$51,200
Per Capita Income:
$21,700
Income Male:
$28,200
Income Female:
$22,600
Poverty Rate:
26.7%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
7.0%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
15.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
85.1%
Bachelors or More:
17.5%
Education
How are the schools in Jamestown, NY?
Jamestown offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Jamestown High School and Washington Middle School, as well as private and parochial institutions. The city is also home to Jamestown Community College, and SUNY Fredonia is just 28 miles away, providing local access to higher education. The student-teacher ratios are favorable, supporting a supportive learning environment.

Public Schools
Name:
Jamestown High School
Street:
350 E 2nd St
Phone:
716-483-3470
Students:
1,315
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Name:
Washington Middle School
Street:
159 Buffalo St
Phone:
716-483-4413
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9

Private Schools
Name:
Southern Tier Catholic School
Street:
208 North 24th St
Phone:
716-372-3451
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
Jamestown Community College
City:
Jamestown
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,100
Name:
SUNY Fredonia
City:
Fredonia
State:
NY
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
4,600
Healthcare
Residents of Jamestown have access to general and emergency medical care at UPMC Chautauqua, supported by about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at 93.6%, ensuring most people can access needed services. The city’s healthcare resources are reliable for both routine and urgent needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UPMC Chautauqua
Address:
207 Foote Ave, Jamestown, NY 14701
Phone:
(716) 487-0141
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.6%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Jamestown, NY?
Jamestown’s housing market is notably affordable, with median home prices at $73,500 and average two-bedroom rents around $720. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and rental vacancies are moderate at 7.8%. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates make it a stable choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$73,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Jamestown residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office located on W. 3rd St., providing convenient access to licensing, registration, and vehicle services. The office is easily reachable for both new arrivals and long-time locals. For more information, residents can visit the official DMV website or call the local branch.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
512 W. 3rd St., Jamestown, NY 14701
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
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.