Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Jay, OK
Considering a move to Jay, OK? This small city of 2,320 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $110,000 and average rents near $700. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19.6 minutes, a friendly community, and access to local schools with small class sizes. While crime rates are a bit above the national average, Jay’s mix of Native American heritage, abundant sunny days, and proximity to outdoor recreation make it a unique place to call home. Explore cost of living, education, and more below to see if Jay fits your lifestyle.
Demographics - Jay, OK
Jay, OK is a close-knit community with a population of 2,320, notable for its strong Native American presence, making up nearly 40% of residents. The city has a median age just under 37, and the population density fosters a small-town feel, ideal for those seeking a tight-knit atmosphere. Non-English speakers comprise about 8.5%, reflecting a diverse but locally rooted culture.
Population:
2,320
Density:
670 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.9
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
50.1%
Black:
0.6%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Jay, OK?
Jay offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $110,000 and average rent around $700, both well below national averages. Essential expenses like groceries and utilities are also budget-friendly, making it an attractive choice for those seeking value without sacrificing quality of life. State income taxes remain modest, further supporting a cost-effective lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,280
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0.5%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.7
Grocery:
94.5
Housing:
60.3
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
88.1
Health Care:
89.0
Miscellaneous:
87.4
Crime
Is Jay, OK a safe place to live?
While Jay provides a generally peaceful setting, its crime rates are slightly above national averages, with a 1 in 43 chance of property crime and a 1 in 270 chance of violent crime. Residents should stay vigilant, but the community’s small size often encourages neighborly support and awareness. It's wise for newcomers to review local safety resources and consider home security measures.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
370
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,350
Crime Index:
2,720
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 270
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Jay, OK year-round?
Jay experiences four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows around 27°F and warm summers peaking near 89°F. The city enjoys about 62% sunny days each year and receives ample rainfall, making it suitable for outdoor activities and gardening. Seasonal changes bring pleasant variety, supporting a range of recreational opportunities year-round.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of Jay benefit from a median household income of $43,100 and a family-oriented environment, though the local poverty rate is somewhat higher at 22%. Most adults have completed high school, and the average commute is a convenient 20 minutes. The community is characterized by friendly neighbors and a laid-back pace, ideal for those seeking a slower lifestyle.
Median Income:
$26,400
Household Income:
$43,100
Family Income:
$49,000
Per Capita Income:
$19,800
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
22.3%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
19.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.1%
Bachelors or More:
11.3%
Education
How are the schools in Jay, OK?
Jay’s public schools offer small class sizes with student-teacher ratios around 16:1, providing personalized attention. While there are no private schools in town, families have access to two nearby colleges within an hour’s drive for higher education options. The school system supports a strong community focus on education and student growth.
Public Schools
Name:
Jay Upper Elementary School
Street:
1001 N 9th St
Phone:
918-253-4413
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Jay High School
Street:
322 E Monroe Ave
Phone:
918-253-4213
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Colleges
Name:
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
City:
Miami
State:
OK
Distance:
45 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
Rogers State University
City:
Claremore
State:
OK
Distance:
56 miles
Students:
4,300
Healthcare
Jay residents have access to both local and nearby hospitals, including emergency services at Northeastern Health System - Cherokee Nation. With about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 people and 84% health insurance coverage, basic medical needs are well supported. The city offers a reliable healthcare infrastructure for a town of its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Integris Grove Hospital
Address:
1001 E 18th St, Grove, OK 74344
Phone:
(918) 786-2243
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Northeastern Health System - Cherokee Nation
Address:
19600 N E 1st St, Jay, OK 74346
Phone:
(918) 253-1700
Type:
General & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.0%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Jay, OK?
The housing market in Jay is highly accessible, featuring a median home price of $110,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $700. About two-thirds of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy and foreclosure rates are low, reflecting a stable market. Modest appreciation rates indicate slow but steady growth, making it a solid place for first-time buyers.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Jay residents are served by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety for all driver and vehicle services. The main office is in Oklahoma City, but online resources make many tasks convenient and accessible. Residents can easily find information, renewals, and other DMV services through the state’s official website.
State:
Oklahoma
Department:
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
Address:
3600 N Martin Luther King Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Phone:
405-425-2300
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.