Median Income
$72,153
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$240,100
15% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
640/100K
68% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.0%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,057
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.9%
7% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.9%
52% higher than US avg
How East Palatka Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,536
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density483/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 52%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$72,153
Per Capita$47,900
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty18.9%
County GDP$3,499M
Commute49 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$240,100
Rent$1,057
Ownership81.7%
Zillow$268,242
Housing Units546
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent640/100K
Property5,263/100K
Health
Obesity29.9%
Uninsured15.3%
Smoking16.7%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain51.4 in/yr
Sunny Days314/yr
Elevation14 ft (4 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.0%
High School+77.2%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 26%
Commute49 min
Broadband73.4%
EV Stations6
Libraries5
Is East Palatka a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, East Palatka receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. East Palatka has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in East Palatka is $72,153, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. The poverty rate of 18.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 49 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in East Palatka is $240,100, 15% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,057 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 640 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,263 per 100,000, 169% above the national average.
Education
14.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
East Palatka enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 56°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 314 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
East Palatka has a population of 1,536 with a density of 483 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.2% female and 64.8% male. The city is predominantly White (51.6%), with 3.6% Hispanic, 37.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.6% of residents, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 8.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
East Palatka vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.6%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.4%
60% below US avg
Social Characteristics
East Palatka vs U.S. Average
The median household income in East Palatka is $72,153, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,900 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $992, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,593 business establishments, including 116 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 49 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 24.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: East Palatka vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,153 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,900 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $992 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,965 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.9% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,593 |
| County GDP | $3,499M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 116 |
| Healthcare | 154 |
| Retail | 209 |
| Manufacturing | 40 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,798 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 48.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 24.2% |
The median home value in East Palatka is $240,100, 15% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,242, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,057 (9% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 546 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $4,798 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $240,100 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $268,242 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $217 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.8% |
| Price Drops | 28.6% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,057 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.3% |
| Housing Units | 546 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,798 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.00% |
In East Palatka, 29.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.6% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 18.1% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 17.7% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 15.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,649. The dentist ratio is 1:3,397. 56.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: East Palatka vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.9% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 40.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 15.3% |
| 78% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,649 |
| Dentists | 1:3,397 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,266 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 53.2% |
| Premature Death | 15,843/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 154 |
East Palatka has a violent crime rate of 640 per 100,000 residents, 68% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,263 per 100,000, 169% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 32 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, East Palatka receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: East Palatka vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 640.0/100K |
| 68% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,263.2/100K |
| 169% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 32 |
| Traffic Accidents | 180 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
East Palatka enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 56°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 314 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 51.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 14 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
56°F Jan (13°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 70.0°F |
| 30% above US avg |
| January Average | 56°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 314 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 14 ft (4 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 483/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.6496°N, 81.5990°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Putnam County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Florida Regional (UST) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.4"
35% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
6.85"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 13.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
No Rating |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
24 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
205 km |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 3 |
165 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
176 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
181 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 3 |
168 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
261 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
251 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
184 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 1 |
172 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
87 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
242 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
237 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
252 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
72 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
188 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
231 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
282 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 3 |
243 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
175 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
246 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
523 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 29 fatalities, 310 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 2, 2007 |
EF3 |
96 km |
8 |
| Feb 2, 2007 |
EF3 |
77 km |
13 |
| Nov 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 1975 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 1971 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1958 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 2023 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2020 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2017 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2004 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 2001 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF2 |
72 km |
1 |
| Feb 2, 1996 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1995 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1995 |
EF2 |
88 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1987 |
EF2 |
95 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (121,213 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
121,213 |
64 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
24,956 |
30 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
19,129 |
64 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
13,873 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
13,806 |
54 km |
| 2006 |
JUNIPER |
11,998 |
48 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
9,972 |
95 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
9,807 |
38 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
9,705 |
59 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
9,554 |
45 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
8,382 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
JUNIPER SPRINGS |
8,363 |
48 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
7,345 |
28 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
7,078 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
SANTE FE |
6,497 |
51 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,345 |
54 km |
| 2011 |
ESPANOLA FIRE |
5,468 |
23 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
5,431 |
72 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,948 |
19 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
4,907 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
56°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
6.4 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
6.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
6.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
6.2 in |
|
| October |
72°F (22°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
64°F (18°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
58°F (15°C) |
2.7 in |
|
East Palatka has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F / from 56°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.9") and April the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in East Palatka. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $680 |
| Toddler | $547 |
| Preschool | $476 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $507 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $390 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About East Palatka
What is the population of East Palatka?
East Palatka has a population of 1,536 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 483 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 35.2% female and 64.8% male.
Is East Palatka expensive to live in?
East Palatka has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $72,153, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $240,100 (15% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,057 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is East Palatka safe?
Public safety is a concern in East Palatka, with a violent crime rate of 640 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,263 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, East Palatka receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in East Palatka?
East Palatka enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 56°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 314 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in East Palatka?
The job market in East Palatka is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $992. There are 1,593 business establishments in the area, including 116 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 49 minutes, and 24.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in East Palatka?
The median home value in East Palatka is $240,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,242. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,057. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,798.
How are the schools in East Palatka?
Schools in East Palatka have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.0% of adults in East Palatka hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.2% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is East Palatka?
The obesity rate in East Palatka is 29.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 15.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 56.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,649.
What is transportation like in East Palatka?
The average commute in East Palatka is 49 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 24.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of East Palatka?
The racial and ethnic makeup of East Palatka is 51.6% White, 37.3% Black or African American, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino. 94.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 8.0% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.