Median Income
$52,292
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$69,500
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
210/100K
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.7%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$538
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Palco Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population214
Median Age41.2 yrs
Density793/mi²
Male / Female43% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,292
Per Capita$29,386
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$230M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$69,500
Rent$538
Ownership84.9%
Zillow$128,658
Housing Units112
Rent Burden15.0%
Crime
F
Violent210/100K
Property315/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking14.8%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain24.2 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation2,277 ft (694 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.7%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+8.0%
School Score5.47
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 14%
Commute14 min
Broadband93.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Palco a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palco receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Palco offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Palco is $52,292, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 8.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palco is $69,500, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $538 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Palco is below the national average at 210 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 315 per 100,000, 84% below the national average.
Education
18.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Palco experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.2 inches, including 17.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Palco has a population of 214 with a density of 793 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 41.2 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.5% female and 42.5% male. The city is predominantly White (83.6%), with 2.8% Hispanic, 7.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.2yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Palco is $52,292, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,386 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $858, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 202 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,292 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,386 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $858 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,119 |
| Gini Index | 0.369 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 202 |
| County GDP | $230M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Palco is $69,500, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $128,658, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $538 (54% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 112 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $3,700. 15.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $69,500 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $128,658 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $538 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.1% |
| Housing Units | 112 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.32% |
In Palco, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:966. The dentist ratio is 1:2,407. 40.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palco vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:966 |
| Dentists | 1:2,407 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,778 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.8% |
| Premature Death | 11,137/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Palco has a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 residents, 45% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 315 per 100,000, 84% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Palco receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Palco vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 210.2/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 315.3/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Palco experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 326 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 24.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 17.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,277 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 52.5°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,277 ft (694 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 793/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2532°N, 99.5635°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rooks County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.2"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
144 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
13 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
132 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
136 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
144 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
23 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
15 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
114 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
12 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
43 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
55 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
27 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
135 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
24 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
661 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 155 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
37 km |
5 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1990 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1980 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FOUR COUNTY (122,971 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
FOUR COUNTY |
122,971 |
49 km |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
61 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
36 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
56 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
60 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,330 |
92 km |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
80 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
22 km |
| 2024 |
CODELL RD |
1,609 |
46 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH LAKE |
1,530 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
CRAIG NALER |
1,464 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
57 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
54 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
74 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
55 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
55 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
43 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
24 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
54 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Palco has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Palco. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palco
What is the population of Palco?
Palco has a population of 214 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 793 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.5% female and 42.5% male.
Is Palco expensive to live in?
Palco is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,292, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $69,500 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $538 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Palco safe?
Palco is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 315 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Palco receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Palco?
Palco has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.2 inches, with 17.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Palco?
The job market in Palco is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $858. There are 202 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palco?
The median home value in Palco is $69,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $128,658. For renters, the median monthly rent is $538. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,700.
How are the schools in Palco?
Schools in Palco score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.7% of adults in Palco hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palco?
The obesity rate in Palco is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 40.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:966.
What is transportation like in Palco?
The average commute in Palco is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palco?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palco is 83.6% White, 7.9% Black or African American, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
