Jamaica: housing

How many homeless people are there in Jamaica?

There were approximately 2,261 homeless people in Jamaica, according to a national survey cited by the Minister of Local Government and Community Development and reported by the Jamaica Information Service. The survey was carried out by the Board of Supervision with the Social Development Commission in the last quarter of 2025.

The minister said 52.5% of homeless people were in the Corporate Area of Kingston and St Andrew. He spoke in the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate on 3 June 2026, when he announced a J$35 million renovation of the Marie Atkins Night Shelter in downtown Kingston. A street count measures people sleeping rough or in shelters on the survey nights, so it does not include people living in damaged or overcrowded housing.

Official sources: JIS: $35 Million Marie Atkins Night Shelter Renovation

What are NHT mortgage interest rates in Jamaica?

From 1 July 2026, teachers, nurses, firefighters and members of the security forces get a reduced National Housing Trust mortgage rate based on length of service, according to the Jamaica Information Service. The rate is cut by 1 percentage point for those with 5 to 10 years of service and by 2 points for 10 years or more.

The Prime Minister announced the measures in the 2026/27 Budget Debate on 19 March. The NHT will also reserve at least 20% of scheme units for people under 35, double the previous 10%, and offer up to J$2 million towards deposits on open-market homes. The NHT website sets out loan amounts, repayment periods and current rates for contributors.

Official sources: JIS: NHT to Reduce Interest Rates for Teachers, Nurses, Firefighters, Security Forces · National Housing Trust

What is Jamaica's urbanisation rate?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is 59.4%. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 22nd highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 66.2%. World rank, highest first: 110th of 193.

What share of Jamaica's city dwellers live in slums?

In 2022, the share of city dwellers living in slums in Jamaica was 0.9%, according to UN-Habitat. Latin America & Caribbean median: 14.7%; Jamaica is 25th highest of 26. World rank, highest first: 126th of 170.

How many people in Jamaica have electricity?

In 2024, the share of people with access to electricity in Jamaica was 97.7%, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from 88.0% (2005) to 100.0% (2021). Latin America & Caribbean median: 99.5%; Jamaica is 24th highest of 33. Worldwide: 121st of 193.

What share of people in Jamaica have safe sanitation?

73.6%: that is the share of people using safely managed sanitation in Jamaica for 2024, according to WHO and UNICEF. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Latin America & Caribbean median: 44.7%; Jamaica is 2nd highest of 16. Worldwide: 57th of 134.

How many people in Jamaica cook with wood or charcoal?

According to the WHO, the share of people using clean cooking fuels in Jamaica was 93.0% in 2024. No year since 2005 has been higher. Latin America & Caribbean median: 95.0%; Jamaica is 20th highest of 33. World rank, highest first: 94th of 192.