Jamaica, Queens, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
111,326
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,598/yr
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
38,460
2.0% year-over-year change

Jamaica population

How many people live in Jamaica

Jamaica is home to 111,326 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Jamaica locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
111,326
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
54,281
Female
51.2%
57,046
Value Percent YoY change
Male 54,281 48.8% 1.2%
Female 57,046 51.2% -1.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Jamaica is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.5% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.9% of the population, while another 25.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.5%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
27.9%
45 to 64
25.9%
Over 65
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 20,629 18.5% -0.7%
15 to 24 13,955 12.5% -1.9%
25 to 44 31,060 27.9% -0.7%
45 to 64 28,864 25.9% 0.1%
Over 65 16,818 15.1% 2.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Jamaica, 49.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 32.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 17.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 6.4% of locals are Caucasian, 43.8% are African American and 19.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
49.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
32.9%
Non-citizens
17.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 55,527 49.9% -2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 36,646 32.9% 1.3%
Non-citizens 19,153 17.2% 3.0%
Racial breakdown
White
6.4%
Black or African American
43.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
19.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.2%
Other
21.1%
Value Percent
White 7,069 6.4%
Black or African American 48,733 43.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 824 0.7%
Asian 22,045 19.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 31 0%
Two or more races 9,170 8.2%
Other 23,453 21.1%

Households in Jamaica

A peek inside Jamaica households

Jamaica has 36,071 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.7% are families, while the remaining 28.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
36,071
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
10,193
Family households
25,877
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 10,193 28.3% 2.9%
Family households 25,877 71.7% 1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Jamaica

The housing landscape of Jamaica

Jamaica's housing consists of 38,460 units, with 24.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
38,460
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,574 24.9%
1 unit, attached 3,282 8.5%
2 units 9,545 24.8%
3 or 4 units 2,305 6%
5 to 9 units 894 2.3%
10 to 19 units 1,207 3.1%
20 to 49 units 3,190 8.3%
50 or more units 8,416 21.9%
Mobile home 42 0.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 5 0%
Homes built since 2020
397
146.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Jamaica

In Jamaica, the median construction year is 1957. About 29% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 11,171 29% 3.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,679 12.2% 7.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 6,300 16.4% -5.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,614 14.6% 0.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,838 4.8% -4.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,353 3.5% -10.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,212 5.8% 1.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,411 6.3% -3.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,485 6.5% 20.1%
Built in 2020 or later 397 1% 146.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Jamaica occupancy rates

Out of the 36,071 occupied housing units in Jamaica, 44.1% are owner-occupied, while 55.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
36,071
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
20,177
Owner occupied
15,894
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 20,177 55.9% 1.6%
Owner occupied 15,894 44.1% 1.6%
Unoccupied housing units
6.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Jamaica housing costs

Housing costs in Jamaica come to a median of $1,926 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,842.

Median housing costs per month
$1,926/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Jamaica
$1,842/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Jamaica

Jamaica education at a glance

About 37.1% of the population in Jamaica went to high school, while 20.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 16.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,816 9% -0.1%
High school diploma 32,124 37.1% 0.4%
College diploma 17,944 20.7% -2.3%
Associate degree 6,803 7.8% 0.7%
Bachelor's degree 14,551 16.8% 2.2%
Graduate degree 7,410 8.6% 1.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Jamaica

How much people earn in Jamaica

The average annual household income in Jamaica was $101,512 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $77,598, reflecting a +1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Jamaica
$101,512/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Jamaica
$77,598/year
1.2% year-over-year change

Jamaica income by age

In Jamaica, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,489 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $65,756, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $61,204 in earnings. Overall, 85.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $65,756 -13.1%
25 - 44 $82,000 -0.5%
45 - 64 $86,489 -0.4%
Over 65 $61,204 0.4%
Above poverty level
93,422
Below poverty level
15,347
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 93,422 85.9% -1.2%
Below poverty level 15,347 14.1% 6.4%

Employment in Jamaica

Workforce and job types in Jamaica

78.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.7% run their own businesses, 63.8% are employed by private companies, and 17.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
39,951
Blue collar
10,670
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 39,951 78.9% -0.7%
Blue collar 10,670 21.1% -1.1%
Employer type
Self employees
9.7%
Private companies
63.8%
Governmental workers
17.8%
Not for profit companies
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,921 9.7% 1.0%
Private companies 32,313 63.8% -1.7%
Governmental workers 9,020 17.8% 2.0%
Not for profit companies 4,368 8.6% -1.4%

Transportation in Jamaica

How people get around in Jamaica

In Jamaica, the average commute time is 115 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 67.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
115 min
-0.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 20,421 67.4% -0.8%
Taxicab 540 1.8% 0.4%
Bus or trolleybus 7,201 23.8% -0.1%
Railroad 402 1.3% -23.6%
Motorcycle 29 0.1% 7.4%
Bicycle 135 0.4% 6.3%
Walk 1,578 5.2% -17.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Jamaica by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
11432 62,892 20,793 $74,096 $103,887
11433 37,884 11,214 $77,519 $98,598
11434 68,263 22,851 $77,598 $104,931
11435 56,826 20,083 $79,710 $99,862
11436 22,527 6,568 $88,047 $115,552

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FAQs about Jamaica demographics 

What is the total population of Jamaica?

Jamaica has a total population of 111,326 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Jamaica?

The gender ratio in Jamaica is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (54,281 residents)
  • 51.2% females (57,046 residents)

What is the median age in Jamaica?

The median age in Jamaica is 38.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Jamaica?

The age distribution in Jamaica is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.5% (20,629 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (13,955 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.9% (31,060 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.9% (28,864 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.1% (16,818 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Jamaica?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Jamaica is as follows:
  • White: 6.4% (7,069 residents)
  • Black or African American: 43.8% (48,733 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (824 residents)
  • Asian: 19.8% (22,045 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (31 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.2% (9,170 residents)
  • Other: 21.1% (23,453 residents)

What percentage of the population in Jamaica are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 49.9% of the population in Jamaica.

How many housing units are there in Jamaica?

There are 38,460 housing units in Jamaica, reflecting a +2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Jamaica and what is the average household size?

Jamaica has a total of 36,071 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Jamaica?

Jamaica has a median household income of $77,598, representing a +1.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Jamaica?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.9% (39,951 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.1% (10,670 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.7% (4,921 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.8% (32,313 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.8% (9,020 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.6% (4,368 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025