Is James City Safe, Pros and cons of living in James City
James City County, Virginia, offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to consider for relocation. Nestled in a region rich with American history, the county provides a serene environment with access to urban conveniences.
This area boasts a strong sense of community and a commitment to preserving its natural beauty. Residents can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and a generally high quality of life. Understanding the local landscape, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is key for anyone contemplating a move to this part of Virginia.
Is it Safe to Live in James City County?
James City County generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is lower than the national average, with an A- grade indicating a favorable safety profile (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your likelihood of being a victim of crime varies by area, with southwestern parts of the county being the safest.
The violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, earning an A grade and placing it in the 91st percentile for safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Property crime also remains relatively low, with an A- grade and ranking in the 79th percentile for safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The projected cost of crime per resident is also notably less than both the national and state averages (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Crime Statistics Overview
The crime rate in James City County is approximately 21.75 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This rate is lower than the average U.S. county, contributing to its favorable safety perception. While crime does occur, the distribution is not uniform across the county, with certain areas being considerably safer than others.
Violent crime specifically is reported at a rate of 2.020 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Property crime follows a similar trend, with a rate of 10.92 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). These figures suggest a generally secure environment for those living in or considering James City County.
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in James City County is influenced by its housing market, which is generally higher than the national average. The median home value stands at $447,200 (as reported by Niche). This median home value is higher than the national median of $332,700 (as reported by Niche).
Rental costs are also a significant factor, with the average rent for an apartment being $2,053 per month (as reported by Zillow). This is higher than the national average rent of $1,910 (as reported by Zillow). The median rent across all property types is $1,552 (as reported by Niche), which is above the national median of $1,413 (as reported by Niche).
Housing Market Trends
As of recent data, the median sale price for a home in James City County was $494,000, showing a slight decrease of 0.2% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median listing price is around $607,000, with 65 homes for sale (as reported by Home.com). Homes are spending an average of 39 days on the market (as reported by Home.com).
For renters, the market shows a month-over-month increase of 0.5% in average rent, and a year-over-year increase of 3.1% (as reported by Zillow). This indicates a dynamic rental market with increasing demand and prices.
Income and Affordability
The median household income in James City County has seen growth, reaching $109,985 (as reported by Data USA). This median household income is higher than in nearby York County and Albemarle County (as reported by Data USA). However, a significant portion of households, approximately 30%, are considered “cost-burdened,” meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing (as reported by James City County, VA).
Severely cost-burdened households, spending over 50% of their income on housing, constitute about 13% of all households in James City County (as reported by James City County, VA). This highlights potential affordability challenges for a notable segment of the population, despite the relatively high median income.
Job Market and Economy
James City County presents a robust job market with a growing employment sector. The total number of employed individuals has increased, reaching approximately 35,801 (as reported by Data USA). This growth reflects a positive trend in the local economy, with employment increasing by 2.29% year-over-year.
The unemployment rate has remained relatively low. As of the latest data, the unemployment rate is 4% (as reported by Data Commons). This figure is favorable, indicating a healthy labor market with ample opportunities for job seekers.
Major Employers and Industries
Key industries driving employment in James City County include healthcare and social assistance, educational services, and retail trade (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the county span various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Notable companies and institutions include Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Riverside Regional Medical Center, Sentara Healthcare, and Williamsburg-James City County Schools (as reported by James City County, VA).
The manufacturing sector is particularly strong, with companies like Anheuser-Busch being a cornerstone employer since 1972 (as reported by James City County, VA). The county’s economic development strategy also focuses on diversifying its industries to enhance resilience against economic shocks.
Average Salary and Wages
The median household income in James City County is $109,985 (as reported by Data USA). The average per capita income is $57,874 (as reported by World Population Review). These figures indicate a strong earning potential for residents within the county.
However, it’s important to note that wage disparities exist. While the median household income is substantial, the cost of living, particularly housing, can present challenges for those in lower-paying service sector jobs. This is a consideration for potential residents assessing their financial fit within the community.
Climate and Environment
James City County experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and humid, while winters are mild. The average annual precipitation is around 53 inches (as reported by Livability.com), distributed throughout the year, with wetter periods typically occurring in the summer and fall months.
Temperatures in James City County typically range from comfortable in the spring and fall to warm in the summer. The area offers a pleasant climate for most of the year, with opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Temperature and Precipitation
While specific average temperatures and rainfall data for James City County, VA, were not directly found, nearby St. James City, Florida, experiences a climate with average high temperatures ranging from 75°F in January to 92°F in August, with annual precipitation averaging 56 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). This provides a general indication of the subtropical climate characteristics in similar named locations.
For James City, North Carolina, the average temperatures are around 73°F high and 52°F low, with 53 inches of average annual rainfall and 2 inches of snowfall (as reported by Livability.com). This suggests a more temperate climate compared to its Florida namesake.
Education and Schools
James City County is served by the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools district, which is highly regarded. The district has an average testing ranking of 8/10, placing it in the top 30% of public school districts in Virginia (as reported by Niche). Students in this district demonstrate strong academic performance.
The district’s average math proficiency score is 77%, and the reading proficiency score is 74%, both exceeding the Virginia state averages (as reported by Niche). This indicates a high standard of education provided within the county.
School Performance and Ratings
Public schools in James City County achieve an average ranking of 9/10, positioning them in the top 20% of public schools in Virginia (as reported by Niche). Top-ranked schools include Jamestown High School, Waller Mill Elementary School, and Warhill High School (as reported by Niche).
The district also boasts a graduation rate of 90%, which has remained stable over several years (as reported by Niche). These metrics underscore the commitment to educational excellence within James City County.
Demographics and Population
James City County is home to a population of approximately 81,013 residents (as reported by Data USA). The county is the 25th most populated in Virginia (as reported by Data USA). The demographics show a diverse community with a majority White population, followed by Black and Hispanic residents.
The median age in James City County is 47.1 years (as reported by Data Commons), which is older than the national average. This suggests a significant retiree population, contributing to the county’s overall character and community life.
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The racial composition of James City County is primarily White, accounting for about 71.7% of the population (as reported by Census Reporter). Black or African American residents make up approximately 12.4% of the population (as reported by Census Reporter).
Other racial and ethnic groups are represented in smaller percentages, including Hispanic residents at around 7.2% (as reported by Census Reporter). This demographic makeup contributes to the diverse cultural fabric of the county.
Age Distribution
The median age of 47.1 years in James City County (as reported by Data Commons) indicates a population that is, on average, older than the national median. A significant portion of the population falls into older age brackets, with 16% aged 60-69 and 13% aged 70-79 (as reported by Census Reporter).
This age distribution suggests that James City County is a popular place for retirees. The presence of a mature demographic often correlates with a quieter lifestyle and a strong community focus.
Pros and Cons of Living in James City County
James City County offers numerous advantages, including a strong sense of community, a safe environment, and excellent educational opportunities. The county’s commitment to preserving its historical and natural assets, combined with its proximity to major transportation routes and amenities, makes it a desirable place to live. The job market is stable, with key industries providing diverse employment options.
However, the cost of living, particularly housing, can be a significant consideration. While incomes are relatively high, housing prices and rents are above the national average, potentially creating affordability challenges for some residents. The county’s predominantly rural character means it may not appeal to those seeking a bustling urban environment.