Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions

The Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions (JSLC) is a nationally representative household survey conducted by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) in collaboration with the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ). Established in 1988, the JSLC is a key component of Jamaica's national monitoring system for assessing the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of social services and the overall well-being of the population. The survey is conducted annually.

Survey Information

Purpose

The JSLC provides comprehensive information on the socio-economic conditions and living standards of Jamaican households. It was established to provide baseline data to support the development and prioritisation of socio-economic policies and programmes; assess the effectiveness of government social and economic interventions; and monitor changes in the well-being of individuals and households over time. Over the years, the survey has become an indispensable source of information for evidence-based policymaking, programme evaluation, and national development planning.

What the JSLC Measures

The JSLC provides critical data for monitoring Jamaica's progress towards Vision 2030 Jamaica - National Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty, education, health, and social well-being. It provides information on a wide range of socio-economic indicators, including:

Poverty
Education
Health and access to healthcare
Housing conditions and amenities
Household consumption
Child welfare
Access to social protection programmes
Food security
Access to information and communication technology

Survey Type: Household Survey

Frequency of Release: Annually

Key Outputs: The Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions report, containing the main socioeconomic indicators, is produced by the PIOJ.

FAQ

What is the JSLC?

The Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions (JSLC) is conducted annually as a joint initiative between the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) and the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ). It is a source of information on the measurement of living standards of Jamaicans. Each survey provides a snapshot that facilitates the monitoring of important social and economic indicators and identifies gaps that necessitate policy remedies.

What kind of information does the survey collect?

The JSLC collects data on several social and economic indicators, including health, education, household consumption and expenditure, social protection, labour force participation, housing and access to services.

Why is this survey important?

The data helps policymakers, researchers, and development partners: monitor poverty and living standards; design and evaluate social programmes; and track progress toward national and international development goals.

Is my information confidential?

Yes. All information collected by STATIN is strictly confidential and used only for statistical purposes. Your identity will never be shared.

What should I do if my household is selected?

If your household is selected, we encourage you to participate fully and honestly. Trained STATIN interviewers will visit your home and guide you through the process.

When will data collection for the survey commence?

The Statistical Institute of Jamaica will commence data collection for the Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions in September 2026.

How do I benefit from participating in the JSLC?

The many social programmes of Jamaica such as the Jamaica Drug for the Elderly Programme (JADEP), National School Feeding Programme, Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH), among others were based on data analysed from the Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions (JSLC).

Where can I learn more?

For more information call (876) 630-1600 or email jslc@statinja.gov.jm. Past JSLC reports can be accessed from the PIOJ's website at pioj.gov.jm.