Jamaica, IA
Population 202 · Iowa
About Jamaica, IA
Jamaica is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 202 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,750 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Jamaica features a median home value of $65,700, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Jamaica one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $536, 54% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 113 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (76 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (32 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Jamaica shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Jamaica have an average one-way commute time of 39 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
17.9% of Jamaica residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Jamaica Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Jamaica, IA
Compared to national averages, Jamaica has a median household income of $53,750 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $65,700, which is 73% below the national median. Monthly rent at $536 is 54% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Jamaica's income is 21% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 50% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Jamaica, IA?
Jamaica offers affordable housing with a median home value of $65,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $536/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,750) that falls below the national average. However, Jamaica’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Jamaica has a population of 202 with a median age of 38 years. Compare Jamaica with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Jamaica With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Jamaica
What is the population of Jamaica, IA?
The population of Jamaica, IA is 202 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Jamaica?
The median household income in Jamaica, IA is $53,750 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Jamaica?
The median home value in Jamaica, IA is $65,700, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Jamaica?
The median monthly rent in Jamaica, IA is $536, which is 54% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Jamaica?
The unemployment rate in Jamaica, IA is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Jamaica, IA a good place to live?
Jamaica offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 202 and a median age of 38, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Jamaica, IA?
17.9% of residents in Jamaica aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Jamaica?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Jamaica, IA: median home value is $65,700 (73% below national), median rent is $536/month, and median household income is $53,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Jamaica?
The poverty rate in Jamaica, IA is 17.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Jamaica, IA?
Jamaica's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.