Jay, OK
Population 2,724 · Oklahoma
About Jay, OK
Jay is a small town located in Oklahoma with a population of 2,724 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,411 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Jay features a median home value of $105,400, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Jay one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $735, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,101 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (531 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (422 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Jay shows an unemployment rate of 12.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Jay have an average one-way commute time of 23.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.6% of Jay 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 6.3% White, 52.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Jay, OK
Compared to national averages, Jay has a median household income of $36,411 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $105,400, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $735 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oklahoma, Jay's income is 35% below the state average of $56,382, and home values are 12% below the state median of $119,992.
Why Live in Jay, OK?
Jay offers affordable housing with a median home value of $105,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $735/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,411) that falls below the national average. However, Jay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Jay has a population of 2,724 with a median age of 34.8 years. Compare Jay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oklahoma.
Similar Cities Near Jay
Cities in Oklahoma with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Cordell | 2,743 | $70,780 | $102,000 | Compare |
| Stigler | 2,702 | $40,917 | $135,000 | Compare |
| Fairview | 2,699 | $52,500 | $105,700 | Compare |
| Mangum | 2,759 | $56,875 | $90,200 | Compare |
| Stroud | 2,771 | $54,519 | $120,000 | Compare |
| Eufaula | 2,783 | $38,594 | $180,300 | Compare |
| Davis | 2,805 | $53,147 | $111,800 | Compare |
| Healdton | 2,635 | $50,338 | $58,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oklahoma
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Jay With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Jay
What is the population of Jay, OK?
The population of Jay, OK is 2,724 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Oklahoma.
What is the median household income in Jay?
The median household income in Jay, OK is $36,411 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Jay?
The median home value in Jay, OK is $105,400, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Jay?
The median monthly rent in Jay, OK is $735, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Jay?
The unemployment rate in Jay, OK is 12.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Jay, OK a good place to live?
Jay offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,724 and a median age of 34.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Jay, OK?
11.6% of residents in Jay 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 Jay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Jay, OK: median home value is $105,400 (57% below national), median rent is $735/month, and median household income is $36,411. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Jay?
The poverty rate in Jay, OK is 22.4%, 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 Jay, OK?
Jay's population is 6.3% White, 52.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.