Jamaica is a middle-class neighborhood in the New York City borough of Queens. Jamaica is patrolled by the NYPD’s 103rd, 113th & 105th Precincts. It was settled under Dutch rule in 1656 in New Netherland as Rustdorp. Under British rule, Jamaica became the center of the “Town of Jamaica”. Jamaica was the county seat of Queens County from the formation of the county in 1683 until March 7, 1788, when the town was reorganized by the state government and the county seat was moved to Mineola (now part of Nassau County).
Population
According to the 2010 United States Census, Jamaica had a population of 214,467 reflecting a decline of 2,815 (1.3%) from the 217,282 counted in 2000. Covering an area of 4,205.30 acres (17.01 km2), the neighborhood had a population density of 51.0 inhabitants per acre (32,500/sq mi; 12,600/km2).
The racial makeup of the neighborhood was 10.9% (23,720) White, 49.2% (105,843) African American, 0.5% (1,015) Native American, 9.5% (20,353) Asian, 0.1% (207) Pacific Islander, 6.2% (13,335) from other races, and 3.8% (8,036) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 29.6% (63,583) of the population.
The entirety of Community Board 12, which comprises Jamaica, Hollis, St. Albans, Springfield Gardens, Baisley Park, Rochdale Village, and South Jamaica, had 214,439 inhabitants as of NYC Health’s 2018 Community Health Profile, with an average life expectancy of 81.4 years.
According to the 2010 Census, 55.9% of the population was Black, 20.3% White, 12.9% Asian, 2.2% Multiracial, and 2% of some other race. The Latinx population was 24.4%.
Jamaica is located in Queens Community District 12 and its primary ZIP Codes are 11432 and 11434. It is patrolled by the New York City Police Department’s 103rd and 113th Precincts. Politically, Jamaica is represented by the New York City Council’s 24th and 27th Districts.
For more information, see the Wikipedia page on Jamaica, Queens.
Economy and Major Employers
Jamaica is home to several major employers that provide jobs and contribute to the local economy. Some of the top employers in Jamaica include:
- JFK International Airport – The airport provides nearly 300,000 jobs, making it one of the largest employers in New York City.
- MTA New York City Transit – The transit authority operates bus and subway lines through Jamaica and employs thousands of local residents.
- York College – This liberal arts college located in Jamaica employs over 1,700 faculty and staff.
- Queens Hospital Center – The hospital system is one of the largest in Queens with over 2,300 employees.
- Verizon – The telecom company operates regional offices and call centers in Jamaica.
In addition to large employers, Jamaica has a thriving small business community. Retail stores, restaurants, professional services firms and more help drive economic activity in the neighborhood. Manufacturing and industrial activity has declined in recent decades, being replaced by service sector jobs.
The median household income in Jamaica is $57,720, which is lower than the citywide median of $60,762. The poverty rate is 20.1%, compared to 17.9% for all of New York City. But Jamaica has a robust middle class and opportunities for economic mobility for its residents.
For more on the Jamaica economy and business, see the Jamaica Center BID Facebook page.
Tourism and Landmarks
While perhaps not as bustling a tourist destination as Manhattan, Jamaica does have some notable landmarks and attractions for visitors.
Jamaica Center
This large complex of retail stores, restaurants and more provides excellent shopping and dining options. Retail anchors include Macy’s and Target, along with a food court and movie theater complex.
Address: 160-02 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432
For more on Jamaica Center, see the Jamaica Center BID Facebook page.
Jamaica Performing Arts Center
This newly renovated performing arts venue offers theater, music, dance and more. It anchors the downtown Jamaica cultural district.
Address: 153-10 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432
Website: https://www.jamaica-performingartscenter.org/
King Manor Museum
Built in the late 18th century, this historic mansion was home to Founding Father Rufus King. It features exhibits about King and early American history.
Address: 150-03 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432
Website: https://www.kingmanor.org/
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Operated by the National Park Service, this nature preserve on Jamaica Bay offers hiking, bird watching and more. It’s located on the south shore of Queens.
Address: 175-01 B Cross Bay Blvd, Queens, NY 11422
Website: https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/nature/jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge.htm
For more ideas on things to see and do in Jamaica, check out the NYC Tourism Bureau’s guide.
Sports
Jamaica does not have any major professional sports teams within its boundaries. However, Queens overall is home to two major league teams:
New York Mets (MLB)
The Mets baseball team plays at Citi Field just north of Jamaica in the Flushing neighborhood. The park opened in 2009 after the team departed Shea Stadium.
Website: https://www.mlb.com/mets
New York City FC (MLS)
This soccer club joined MLS in 2015 and plays at Yankee Stadium just north of Jamaica in the Bronx. The team plans to construct a new stadium within the five boroughs in coming years.
Website: https://www.nycfc.com/