Jay, Oklahoma Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Jay, Oklahoma had a total population of 2,731, the 126th largest city in Oklahoma, with a median household income of $38,094, which is 41% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 23.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 41% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Oklahoma (diversity index: 70/100).
- Unemployment rate of 13.6% is notably above the national average.
Jay Quick Facts
How Jay Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,724 | 2,731 | +0.3% |
| Median household income | $36,411 | $38,094 | +4.6% |
| Median home value | $105,400 | $107,900 | +2.4% |
How Jay Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 58 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Jay Rankings in Oklahoma
Explore Oklahoma Rankings
Other Cities in Delaware County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grove | 7,176 | $58,941 | 18.1% | $244,300 |
| Cleora | 1,477 | $82,321 | 14.5% | $230,800 |
| Copeland | 1,401 | $57,558 | 16.1% | $123,500 |
| West Siloam Springs | 1,286 | $59,904 | 19.6% | $183,800 |
| Kenwood | 1,284 | $58,135 | 18.5% | $104,100 |
| Colcord | 910 | $31,094 | 25.6% | $93,600 |
| Kansas | 748 | $33,438 | 34.4% | $77,500 |
| Flint Creek | 627 | $48,036 | 44.5% | $109,800 |
| Ketchum | 499 | $55,000 | 19.0% | $203,800 |
| Bernice | 396 | $40,833 | 26.3% | $116,700 |
Cities Similar to Jay
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eufaula | 2,825 | $37,289 | $178,700 | 15.3% | 29.3% |
| Wilburton | 2,602 | $38,971 | $93,600 | 10.1% | 27.1% |
| Stigler | 2,729 | $42,976 | $163,900 | 12.5% | 18.8% |
| Wewoka | 3,091 | $37,986 | $63,300 | 9.1% | 28.5% |
| Checotah | 3,064 | $37,042 | $124,900 | 10.7% | 18.8% |
Population Overview
Jay is a small community located in Oklahoma, within Delaware County. The total population is 2,731. It ranks as the 126th most populous out of 834 Census-designated places in Oklahoma.
Age Demographics
The median age in Jay is 34.6 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 37.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Jay is $38,094. This is 41% lower than the state median of $65,039. It is also 53% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 23.5%. This is 53% higher than the state poverty rate of 15.3%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 13.6%. This is 174% higher than the state rate of 5.0%. The median home value is $107,900. Housing costs are 46% lower than the state median of $199,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.8x, Jay is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 61.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% lower than the state average of 65.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
Jay is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 7.6%. The Black or African American population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 6.8%.
Education
11.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 60% lower than the state rate of 28.3%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 76.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Jay, Oklahoma is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Oklahoma state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 834 Census-designated places in Oklahoma. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Jay, Oklahoma?
Jay, Oklahoma has a population of 2,731 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Jay, OK?
The median household income in Jay is $38,094, which is 53% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Jay, OK?
The poverty rate in Jay is 23.5%. This means approximately 614 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Jay, Oklahoma?
Jay's population is 37.4% White, 0.3% Black, 7.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Jay, OK?
The median home value in Jay is $107,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x.
How educated is Jay, Oklahoma?
11.3% of adults (25+) in Jay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.