Jay County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Jay County, Indiana, has a population of approximately 20,478. The racial composition is predominantly White at 95.4%, followed by Hispanic or Latino at 3.1%, and smaller percentages for other races. The median household income is around $46,435. About 15.2% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county covers an area of 384 square miles, with a density of around 53.3 people per square mile. Key cities include Portland (the county seat) and Dunkirk.

As of recent data, Jay County, Indiana has a median home value of approximately $98,000. The median rent is around $700 per month. The homeownership rate is about 77%, while roughly 23% of residents are renters. The county experiences a relatively low real estate market turnover, with an average of 80-100 homes sold annually. Housing inventory typically encompasses a mix of older single-family homes and newer constructions, with a variety of price points catering to different income levels.

Jay County, Indiana, regularly holds elections for local, state, and federal positions. As of the most recent 2023 update, the primary concern is local municipal elections. For example:

• County Commissioners: Three districts with commissioners serving staggered four-year terms.

  • Incumbents: District 1 - Bruce Levi, District 2 - David Littler, District 3 - Jeffrey Theurer.

• County Council: Seven members (four from districts, three at-large).

  • Current Members: Joe Abell, Patty Durbin, Mitch Littler, Dave Haines, Kyle Hall, Dawn Hatfield, Mike Rockwell.

• Municipal Mayors: Key cities like Portland (current mayor: John Boggs) and Dunkirk (current mayor: Jack Robbins).

• School Board: Various positions depending on the district include Jay School Corporation and their respective members.

These positions are central to Jay County governance, representing local interests in broader Indiana state politics. For up-to-the-minute and specific candidate details, refer to the Jay County Government or Indiana Election Division websites.

As of the most recent data, Jay County, IN has educational attainment levels that fall below national and state averages. About 85% of residents (age 25+) have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of around 88% and Indiana's state average of roughly 87%. When it comes to higher education, approximately 13% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly below the national average of about 33% and Indiana's state average of 26%. Jay County's lower educational attainment may impact its economic prospects and workforce development when compared to broader averages.

As of the latest available data, Jay County, Indiana, had an employment rate consistent with pre-pandemic levels. The top industries include manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture. Specifically, manufacturing employs the largest segment of the workforce, with major employers such as Tyson Foods and FCC (Indiana).

In numerical terms, the manufacturing sector employs around 30-35% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of approximately 8.5%. Healthcare and social assistance make up about 14-15% of employment, slightly below the national average of about 16%. Retail trade employs around 11-12%, aligning closely with the national average of roughly 11%.

State-wise, Indiana also has a strong manufacturing presence, with about 17% of the state's workforce employed in the sector, making Jay County's dependence on manufacturing notably higher. Agriculture in Jay County also surpasses both national and state averages due to its rural nature.

As of the most recent data, Jay County, IN has an estimated median household income of approximately $47,000. This is notably lower than both the Indiana state median household income of around $57,500 and the U.S. national median household income of about $68,700.

Here's a quick comparison:

Jay County's income level is substantially below the state and national averages, reflecting economic challenges that may include lower wages and fewer high-paying employment opportunities.

As of the most recent data, Jay County, IN, reports a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 24.54 per 1,000 residents annually. Here's a breakdown of specific crime rates per 1,000 residents:

Violent crimes include homicide, assault, robbery, and rape. Property crimes cover theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. Note that while these figures provide a snapshot, crime rates can fluctuate, and local law enforcement agencies continuously work to address and reduce crime levels.