Median Income
$54,809
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$192,500
32% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
243/100K
36% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.1%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$741
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.3%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.9%
36% lower than US avg
How Jamestown Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population15,774
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density1,186/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,809
Per Capita$37,903
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty7.9%
County GDP$1,938M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$192,500
Rent$741
Ownership55.1%
Zillow$212,729
Housing Units7,558
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent243/100K
Property2,073/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault171/100K
Burglary296/100K
Health
Obesity41.3%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking17.2%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain21.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,424 ft (434 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.1%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score6.28
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute12 min
Broadband84.4%
EV Stations10
Libraries3
Is Jamestown a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Jamestown receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Jamestown offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Jamestown is $54,809, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Jamestown is $192,500, 32% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $741 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Jamestown is below the national average at 243 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,073 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Jamestown has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.1 inches, including 46.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Jamestown has a population of 15,774 with a density of 1,186 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (91.7%), with 2.2% Hispanic, 2.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 20.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Jamestown vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Jamestown vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Jamestown is $54,809, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,903. The average weekly wage is $1,086, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 900 business establishments, including 58 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Jamestown vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,809 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,903 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,086 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,551 |
| Gini Index | 0.498 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.9% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 900 |
| County GDP | $1,938M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 58 |
| Healthcare | 69 |
| Retail | 86 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,077 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Jamestown is $192,500, 32% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,729, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $741 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 7,558 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $5,077 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $192,500 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $212,729 |
| Median List Price | $254,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $254,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $142 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.9% |
| Price Drops | 17.2% |
| Inventory | 29 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $741 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,001 |
| Rent Burden | 27.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.9% |
| Housing Units | 7,558 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,077 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.64% |
In Jamestown, 41.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.0% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,269. The dentist ratio is 1:1,343. 77.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-28)
PM2.5
4.9
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
9.0
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.2
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.5
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
130.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Jamestown vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,269 |
| Dentists | 1:1,343 |
| Mental Health | 1:230 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.9% |
| Dental Visits | 58.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,083/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 69 |
Jamestown has a violent crime rate of 243 per 100,000 residents, 36% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 171.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 72.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,073 per 100,000, 6% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,658, burglary at 296, vehicle theft at 118 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Jamestown receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Jamestown vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 243.5/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 72.4/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 171.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,072.6/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
| Burglary | 296.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,658.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 118.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 78 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Jamestown has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 21.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 46.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,424 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.3°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,424 ft (434 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,186/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.9059°N, 98.6936°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stutsman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jamestown Regional (JMS)
2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.1"
44% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
354 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHICAGOLAKE (4,606 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
CHICAGOLAKE |
4,606 |
56 km |
| 2008 |
GRADER |
1,745 |
59 km |
| 1985 |
CHASE LAKE |
1,215 |
59 km |
| 2018 |
EAST JIM LAKE |
1,214 |
34 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
38 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Jamestown has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 9°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Jamestown. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$223 ($134–$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178–$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89–$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712–$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134–$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134–$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356–$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89–$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134–$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560–$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356–$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895–$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445–$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450–$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780–$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712–$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178–$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890–$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67–$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23–$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23–$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67–$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56–$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71–$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67–$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068–$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534–$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445–$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178–$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356–$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450–$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45–$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134–$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89–$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $893 |
| Toddler | $816 |
| Preschool | $756 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $657 |
| Toddler | $620 |
| Preschool | $624 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Jamestown
What is the population of Jamestown?
Jamestown has a population of 15,774 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,186 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Jamestown expensive to live in?
Jamestown is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,809, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $192,500 (32% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $741 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Jamestown safe?
Jamestown is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 243 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,073 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Jamestown receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Jamestown?
Jamestown has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.1 inches, with 46.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Jamestown?
The job market in Jamestown is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,086. There are 900 business establishments in the area, including 58 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Jamestown?
The median home value in Jamestown is $192,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,729. For renters, the median monthly rent is $741. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.1%. The average annual property tax is $5,077.
How are the schools in Jamestown?
Schools in Jamestown score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.1% of adults in Jamestown hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Jamestown?
The obesity rate in Jamestown is 41.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 77.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,269.
What is transportation like in Jamestown?
The average commute in Jamestown is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Jamestown?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Jamestown is 91.7% White, 2.8% Black or African American, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 20.8% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
