Is Old Jamestown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Old Jamestown
Old Jamestown, a census-designated place in St. Louis County, Missouri, offers a unique blend of community character and suburban convenience. Nestled northwest of the city of St. Louis, it provides residents with access to urban amenities while maintaining a distinct local identity. The area is situated near the Missouri River, contributing to its geographical appeal. With a population nearing 20,000 residents, Old Jamestown presents a close-knit atmosphere for those who call it home.
This community is characterized by its diverse population and a history that intertwines with the development of the St. Louis region. Its strategic location and evolving demographics shape the daily lives and future prospects of its residents. Understanding the various facets of Old Jamestown is key for anyone considering a move to this part of Missouri.
Is it Safe to Live in Old Jamestown?
The safety of a community is a significant consideration for any potential resident. In Old Jamestown, the violent crime rate is reported at 2.633 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (CrimeGrade.org). While this figure provides a statistical overview, neighborhood-specific safety can vary, with some areas being considered safer than others (CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime can range depending on the specific neighborhood within Old Jamestown (CrimeGrade.org).
Overall crime rates in Old Jamestown are reported to be lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes are 10% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, by 23% (AreaVibes). Despite these lower rates compared to national averages, it’s important to note that Old Jamestown ranks in the 31st percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 31% of cities but less safe than 69% (CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Old Jamestown presents a mix of opportunities for both buyers and renters. The median property value in Old Jamestown was approximately $236,100 in 2024 (Data USA). This value is lower than the national average, making it a potentially more accessible market for homeowners (Data USA). The homeownership rate in Old Jamestown is notably high, standing at 87.3%, which is significantly above the national average of 65.2% (Data USA).
For those interested in renting, the median rent in Old Jamestown is around $2,100 per month (realtor.com). This figure suggests a competitive rental market. The housing supply in Old Jamestown is described as very tight, with a vacancy rate of 0.0%, indicating high demand relative to available properties (NeighborhoodScout). This tight market can influence both rental and sale prices.
Median Home Prices
As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Old Jamestown was $280,000, showing a 5.0% increase compared to the previous year (Redfin). Homes in Old Jamestown are selling relatively quickly, with the median time on the market being 25 days in March 2026, a decrease from 53 days the prior year (Redfin). This indicates a competitive market where properties are being snapped up swiftly.
Rental Market Insights
The rental market in Old Jamestown shows a median rent of $2,100 per month (realtor.com). Apartments in Old Jamestown spend an average of 39 days on the market (Redfin). This suggests that while rentals are available, they may not stay on the market for extended periods, reflecting the tight housing supply.
Economic Landscape and Job Market
Old Jamestown’s economy is supported by a variety of industries, with a notable presence in healthcare and education. The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Educational Services (Data USA). These sectors provide a substantial number of jobs within the community, contributing to its economic stability.
The job market in Old Jamestown has seen some fluctuations. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Old Jamestown experienced a slight decline of -0.38%, with the number of employees decreasing from 10,000 to 9,965 (Data USA). Despite this minor dip, the area continues to offer employment opportunities across various fields.
Major Employers
While specific major employers for Old Jamestown are not explicitly listed in the provided data, the broader St. Louis County and Missouri regions feature key industries that likely influence local employment. The healthcare and social assistance sector is a significant employer, as is manufacturing and educational services (Data USA). These broad categories suggest that healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, and educational institutions are likely substantial sources of employment for Old Jamestown residents.
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Old Jamestown is not directly provided in the search results. However, data for a nearby zip code, 63033, which includes Old Jamestown, shows a median household income of $66,776 (Census Depth). The median household income for Old Jamestown CDP itself was reported as $99,521 in 2024 (Data USA). The average per capita income in Old Jamestown is $53,814 (Data USA).
Demographics and Community Profile
Old Jamestown is a community with a diverse population. As of 2024, the population is approximately 20,700 people (Data USA). The racial composition is predominantly Black or African American, making up about 67.55% of the population, followed by White residents at approximately 20.37% (Data USA). Other racial groups, including those of two or more races, Asian, and other races, constitute the remaining percentage.
The median age in Old Jamestown is 41.1 years (Data USA). The community has a slightly higher proportion of females, with approximately 79.7 males for every 100 females (Data USA). A notable aspect of Old Jamestown is its high rate of citizenship, with 99.1% of residents being citizens, which is higher than the national average (Data USA).
Population Statistics
The population of Old Jamestown was recorded as 19,790 at the 2020 Census (Census Dots). By 2024, it’s estimated to have grown to around 20,651 (Data USA). The community has seen an increase in population since the last census, indicating some growth. The racial makeup is diverse, with Black or African American residents forming the largest group (Data USA).
Diversity and Inclusivity
Old Jamestown is a racially diverse community, with a significant Black or African American population and a substantial White population (Data USA). The community also includes smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups, contributing to its diverse character. This diversity is reflected in the community’s social fabric and cultural landscape.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Old Jamestown experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and humid, while winters are cold, often accompanied by snow and wind (Time and Date). The weather throughout the year is generally partly cloudy (Time and Date).
The temperature in Old Jamestown typically ranges from 24°F to 89°F over the course of a year. It rarely drops below 8°F or exceeds 96°F (Time and Date). The hottest month is July, with average high temperatures around 88°F and lows of 71°F, while January is the coldest, with average highs of 40°F and lows of 25°F (Time and Date).
Average Temperatures
The hot season in Old Jamestown spans from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures averaging above 79°F (Time and Date). July is the peak of this hot season, offering warm days and comfortable nights. Conversely, the cold season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 49°F (Time and Date).
Precipitation and Rainfall
Old Jamestown receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 41 inches (Livability.com). The wet season typically runs from mid-March through mid-September, with May seeing the most rainfall days (Time and Date). The drier season occurs from mid-September to mid-March, with January having the fewest wet days (Time and Date).
Education and School Ratings
Educational opportunities in Old Jamestown are primarily served by the Hazelwood School District. Jamestown Elementary School, located in nearby Black Jack, MO, serves students in grades K-5 (Homes.com). This school is part of the Hazelwood School District and has received mixed ratings (Homes.com).
Jamestown Elementary School has a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 (Homes.com). In terms of academic proficiency, approximately 7.5% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 32% are proficient in reading (Homes.com). The school’s overall Niche grade is a C- (Homes.com).
School District Performance
The Hazelwood School District, which serves Old Jamestown, includes Jamestown Elementary School. This school is rated in the bottom 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (MySchoolHives). Math proficiency is in the bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is also in the bottom 50% (MySchoolHives).
Evaluating Local Schools
When considering schools in the Old Jamestown area, it’s important to look at various metrics. Jamestown Elementary School has a GreatSchools Rating of 1 out of 10 (Homes.com). This rating reflects a combination of state assessment performance, student growth, and other nationwide ranking data (MySchoolHives). Families may wish to explore other educational options within the broader St. Louis County area to find the best fit for their children’s needs.