Jay is a town in Santa Rosa County, Florida, United States. The population was 533 at the 2010 census. As of 2018, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau was 620. It is part of the Pensacola–Ferry Pass–Brent Metropolitan Statistical Area. History In 1902, a committee was formed to select a name for the thriving farming community. James Thomas Nowling submitted the name "Pine Level" but it was declined due to a Florida post office already using it. Mr. Nowling was asked to submit a second name and was turned down again due to the name being too long. He was asked to submit yet another name but the Postal Department named the new post office after Mr. Nowling before he was able to submit another name and Mr. Nowling became the first postmaster of Jay. A small group of farmers began a livestock market in 1940 and reached sales of up to $1 million within 10 years. Oil was discovered here in 1970. The Jay oilfield has approximately 67 oilwells - eleven within the town limits. Royalties from the oil have exceeded $400 million that funded a new city hall, fire department and recreation complex. Geography According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all land. The town lies on high ground on the east bank of the Escambia River. There are two river access points/boat ramps, both outside the city limits. Demographics As of the census of 2010, there were 553 people, 230 households, and 147 families residing in the town. The population density was . There were 278 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the town was 97.58% White, 0.35% African American, 1.21% Native American, 0.17% Asian, and 0.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.90% of the population. There were 230 households, out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.7% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.7% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.07. In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18,