Median Income
$49,006
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$114,100
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
180/100K
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.4%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$824
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.2%
50% lower than US avg
How East Palestine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,699
Median Age40.2 yrs
Density1,492/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans11.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,006
Per Capita$28,920
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty6.2%
County GDP$4,813M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$114,100
Rent$824
Ownership66.7%
Zillow$131,888
Housing Units2,288
Rent Burden22.1%
Crime
F
Violent180/100K
Property1,556/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault135/100K
Burglary406/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking21.1%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Sunny Days282/yr
Elevation1,041 ft (317 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.4%
High School+84.3%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 25%
Commute21 min
Broadband92.7%
EV Stations4
Libraries7
Is East Palestine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, East Palestine receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. East Palestine has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in East Palestine is $49,006, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in East Palestine is $114,100, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $824 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in East Palestine is below the national average at 180 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,556 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
9.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
East Palestine experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 282 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
East Palestine has a population of 4,699 with a density of 1,492 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 40.2 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (90.7%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 11.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.2yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
East Palestine vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
East Palestine vs U.S. Average
The median household income in East Palestine is $49,006, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,920 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $948, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,244 business establishments, including 179 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: East Palestine vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,006 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,920 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $948 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,859 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.2% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,244 |
| County GDP | $4,813M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 179 |
| Healthcare | 241 |
| Retail | 321 |
| Manufacturing | 166 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,728 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in East Palestine is $114,100, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,888, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $824 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,288 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $3,728. 22.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $114,100 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $131,888 |
| Median List Price | $175,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $175,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $71 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.4% |
| Price Drops | 28.6% |
| Inventory | 14 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $824 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.3% |
| Housing Units | 2,288 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,728 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.27% |
In East Palestine, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 35.8% have high blood pressure. 21.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.2% report binge drinking. 32.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,377. The dentist ratio is 1:3,723. 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: East Palestine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.8% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.1% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.0% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 43.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,377 |
| Dentists | 1:3,723 |
| Mental Health | 1:600 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 57.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,611/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 241 |
East Palestine has a violent crime rate of 180 per 100,000 residents, 53% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 135.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 45.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,556 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,037, burglary at 406, vehicle theft at 113 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, East Palestine receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: East Palestine vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 180.4/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 45.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 135.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,555.8/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
| Burglary | 405.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,037.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 112.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
East Palestine experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 282 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,041 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 282 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,041 ft (317 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,492/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8391°N, 80.5466°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Columbiana County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pittsburgh International (PIT) 29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
43 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 12, 2025.
| Sep 25, 1998 |
2 km SW of Adamsville, Pennsylvania |
M4.5 |
74 km |
| Jun 10, 2019 |
1 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M4.0 |
121 km |
| Jan 26, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.9 |
125 km |
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
85 km |
| Oct 16, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
103 km |
| Aug 28, 2023 |
7 km SE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
105 km |
| Jun 30, 2003 |
6 km NW of Perry, Ohio |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Mar 15, 1992 |
15 km NW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| Jun 20, 2006 |
9 km WNW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
125 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
121 km |
| Jun 3, 2001 |
3 km N of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.4 |
120 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Mayfield Heights, Ohio |
M3.4 |
108 km |
| Jun 30, 2004 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.3 |
114 km |
| Jul 1, 2013 |
5 km NNW of Fairport Harbor, Ohio |
M3.2 |
123 km |
| Jan 9, 2008 |
6 km WNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
8 km NNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
126 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
337 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 55 fatalities, 1,057 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF5 |
65 km |
18 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
71 km |
16 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
7 km |
9 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 1978 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1973 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| Aug 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
37 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Jun 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2021 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
East Palestine has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 26°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in East Palestine. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About East Palestine
What is the population of East Palestine?
East Palestine has a population of 4,699 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,492 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.2 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is East Palestine expensive to live in?
East Palestine is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,006, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $114,100 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $824 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is East Palestine safe?
East Palestine is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 180 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,556 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, East Palestine receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in East Palestine?
East Palestine has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 282 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in East Palestine?
The job market in East Palestine is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $948. There are 2,244 business establishments in the area, including 179 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in East Palestine?
The median home value in East Palestine is $114,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,888. For renters, the median monthly rent is $824. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,728.
How are the schools in East Palestine?
Schools in East Palestine score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.4% of adults in East Palestine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is East Palestine?
The obesity rate in East Palestine is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.1% of adults are smokers. 32.0% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,377.
What is transportation like in East Palestine?
The average commute in East Palestine is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of East Palestine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of East Palestine is 90.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 11.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.