Median Income
$36,411
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$105,400
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
434/100K
14% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$735
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.8%
89% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.7%
67% higher than US avg
How Jay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,724
Median Age34.8 yrs
Density818/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 42%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$36,411
Per Capita$22,532
Unemployment6.8%
Poverty20.7%
County GDP$1,335M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$105,400
Rent$735
Ownership55.7%
Zillow$226,313
Housing Units1,126
Rent Burden36.0%
Crime
F
Violent434/100K
Property2,567/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault395/100K
Burglary632/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured14.8%
Smoking26.8%
Depression28.4%
Heart Disease8.1%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain49.5 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation1,027 ft (313 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+77.4%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score5.05
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute24 min
Broadband75.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Jay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Jay receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Jay has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Jay is $36,411, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 20.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Jay is $105,400, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $735 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 434 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,567 per 100,000, 31% above the national average.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Jay enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Jay has a population of 2,724 with a density of 818 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 34.8 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (52.5%), with 42.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.6% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 23.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 70.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.8yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.6%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.4%
67% below US avg
The median household income in Jay is $36,411, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,532 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $818, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 942 business establishments, including 87 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 1.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,411 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,532 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $818 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,487 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.8% |
| 89% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.7% |
| 67% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 942 |
| County GDP | $1,335M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 87 |
| Healthcare | 83 |
| Retail | 149 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,794 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.3% |
The median home value in Jay is $105,400, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,313, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $735 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $995 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,126 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $3,794. 36.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $105,400 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $226,313 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $735 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $744 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,501 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,126 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,794 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.60% |
In Jay, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.1% of residents, above the national average. 41.0% have high blood pressure. 26.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.0% report binge drinking. 38.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.3% experience frequent mental distress. 14.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,563. The dentist ratio is 1:2,180. 49.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Jay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.9% |
| Heart Disease | 8.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.0% |
| Asthma | 13.8% |
| COPD | 11.0% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 4.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.8% |
| 91% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.6% |
| Depression | 28.4% |
| Mental Distress | 23.3% |
| Physical Distress | 19.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 70.8% |
| Uninsured | 14.8% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,563 |
| Dentists | 1:2,180 |
| Mental Health | 1:474 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 45.2% |
| Premature Death | 13,171/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 83 |
Jay has a violent crime rate of 434 per 100,000 residents, 14% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 394.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 39.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,567 per 100,000, 31% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,619, burglary at 632, vehicle theft at 316 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Jay receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Jay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 434.4/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 39.5/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 394.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,567.1/100K |
| 31% above US avg |
| Burglary | 631.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,619.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 316.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Jay enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 305 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 49.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. The city sits at an elevation of 1,027 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.8°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,027 ft (313 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 818/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.4271°N, 94.7956°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Delaware County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Lake Regional (NRI)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.5"
30% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.08"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 90.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
59 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
89 km |
| May 23, 2021 |
4 km NE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
150 km |
| Apr 3, 2016 |
Arkansas-Oklahoma border region |
M2.7 |
85 km |
| May 22, 2021 |
4 km NE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
150 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 |
6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma |
M2.6 |
103 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
45 km |
| May 23, 2021 |
4 km NE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M2.5 |
150 km |
| Apr 8, 2021 |
5 km WNW of Kinta, Oklahoma |
M2.5 |
149 km |
| Feb 15, 2020 |
5 km ENE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M2.5 |
150 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
44 km |
| Aug 11, 2011 |
11 km WSW of Jasper, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
783 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 222 fatalities, 2,344 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
72 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
71 km |
21 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF4 |
98 km |
7 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
49 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
52 km |
4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
76 km |
7 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
74 km |
5 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
65 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (18,089 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
18,089 |
86 km |
| 2015 |
WOLF CREEK |
18,077 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
12,086 |
91 km |
| 2017 |
MIDDLE RIDGE |
8,501 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,657 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
HILLTOP |
6,523 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
TELAMAY HOLLOW |
5,686 |
45 km |
| 2017 |
PERSIMMON RIDGE |
5,333 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
SAWMILL HOLLOW |
5,166 |
43 km |
| 2011 |
GRUBER |
4,831 |
85 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
4,546 |
38 km |
| 2005 |
FLAT ROCK |
4,472 |
58 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
4,424 |
85 km |
| 1995 |
F128 |
4,210 |
43 km |
| 2024 |
NATURE FIRE |
3,744 |
43 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,700 |
88 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
55 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
3,301 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
3,285 |
82 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,238 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
40°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
49°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
71°F (21°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Jay has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 36°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Jay. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $902 |
| Toddler | $780 |
| Preschool | $780 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $655 |
| Toddler | $603 |
| Preschool | $603 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Jay
What is the population of Jay?
Jay has a population of 2,724 residents and is located in Oklahoma. The population density is 818 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Jay expensive to live in?
Jay is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $36,411, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $105,400 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $735 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Jay safe?
The violent crime rate in Jay is 434 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,567 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Jay receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Jay?
Jay enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Jay?
The unemployment rate in Jay is 6.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $818. There are 942 business establishments in the area, including 87 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 1.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Jay?
The median home value in Jay is $105,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,313. For renters, the median monthly rent is $735. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $995 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,794.
How are the schools in Jay?
Schools in Jay score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.6% of adults in Jay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.4% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Jay?
The obesity rate in Jay is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.8% of adults are smokers. 38.6% are physically inactive. 28.4% of residents report depression. 14.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 49.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,563.
What is transportation like in Jay?
The average commute in Jay is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Jay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Jay is 42.2% White, 52.5% Hispanic or Latino. 95.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 23.2% of residents have a disability. 70.8% have health insurance coverage.
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