Median Income
$47,893
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$287,000
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.3%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,067
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.1%
236% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.4%
16% higher than US avg
How Palermo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,440
Median Age43.0 yrs
Density187/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 68%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$47,893
Per Capita$29,667
Unemployment12.1%
Poverty14.4%
County GDP$4,508M
Commute27 min
Housing
B
Home Value$287,000
Rent$1,067
Ownership65.6%
Zillow$243,090
Housing Units2,278
Rent Burden40.0%
Health
Obesity34.5%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking20.0%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
Rain25.7 in/yr
Elevation214 ft (65 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.3%
High School+82.6%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score4.30
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 36%
Commute27 min
Broadband75.1%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Palermo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palermo receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Palermo has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Palermo is $47,893, 36% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.1%, unemployment is notably high. 14.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palermo is $287,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,067 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
12.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Palermo enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 25.7 inches.
Palermo has a population of 5,440 with a density of 187 people per square mile, spread across 29.2 square miles. The median age is 43.0 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (67.5%), with 25.1% Hispanic, 4.2% Black, 1.5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.7% of residents, while 19.9% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
5,440
Total Population
2023 Census
43.0yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.7%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.9%
49% above US avg
The median household income in Palermo is $47,893, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,667 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,287. The unemployment rate is 12.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,146 business establishments, including 95 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 8.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,893 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,667 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,287 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,831 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.1% |
| 236% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.4% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,146 |
| County GDP | $4,508M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 95 |
| Healthcare | 86 |
| Retail | 134 |
| Manufacturing | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,709 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Palermo is $287,000, 2% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,090, lower than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $330,000 with homes selling in an average of 86 days. Homes sell for 98.4% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,067 (8% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,278 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $4,709 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 40.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $287,000 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $243,090 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $330,000 |
| Median List Price | $332,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $330,000 |
| Median List Price | $332,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $207 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Days on Market | 86 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 11 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,067 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.4% |
| Housing Units | 2,278 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,709 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.64% |
In Palermo, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 34.3% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 30.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.4% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,907. The dentist ratio is 1:3,372. 83.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palermo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.9% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 22.4% |
| Physical Distress | 17.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,907 |
| Dentists | 1:3,372 |
| Mental Health | 1:384 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.4% |
| Dental Visits | 48.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,988/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 86 |
Palermo enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 25.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 214 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (9°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.2°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 214 ft (65 m) |
| Area | 29.2 sq mi (75.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 187/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.4307°N, 121.5229°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Yuba County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chico Regional (CIC)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.7"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
5.20"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 36.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4,480 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 27, 2025.
| May 24, 2013 |
2 km NNE of Canyondam, California |
M5.7 |
93 km |
| May 11, 2023 |
Lake Almanor Earthquake |
M5.5 |
93 km |
| Aug 10, 2001 |
3 km N of Blairsden, California |
M5.2 |
88 km |
| May 12, 2023 |
4km NW of Canyondam, CA |
M5.2 |
93 km |
| Apr 26, 2008 |
1 km NW of Mogul, Nevada |
M5.1 |
136 km |
| Aug 10, 2016 |
20 km NNE of Upper Lake, California |
M5.1 |
111 km |
| Sep 3, 2000 |
5 km WSW of Yountville, California |
M4.9 |
140 km |
| May 24, 2013 |
1km NNW of Canyondam, CA |
M4.9 |
92 km |
| Sep 4, 1995 |
13 km SW of Middletown, California |
M4.8 |
134 km |
| Apr 26, 2008 |
0 km N of Mogul, Nevada |
M4.8 |
137 km |
| Oct 30, 1998 |
4 km N of Tahoe Vista, California |
M4.8 |
128 km |
| Apr 18, 2007 |
15 km N of Potter Valley, California |
M4.8 |
136 km |
| Jun 26, 2005 |
8 km NNW of Tahoe Vista, California |
M4.8 |
124 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
7 km W of Cobb, California |
M4.7 |
131 km |
| Jan 19, 2008 |
31 km NW of Rancho Tehama Reserve, California |
M4.7 |
131 km |
| Jan 2, 2025 |
4 km NW of Cobb, CA |
M4.7 |
125 km |
| May 7, 2021 |
19km NW of Truckee, CA |
M4.7 |
104 km |
| Jan 11, 2000 |
6 km N of Geyserville, California |
M4.6 |
141 km |
| Feb 18, 2004 |
4 km WNW of Cobb, California |
M4.6 |
126 km |
| Jan 12, 2014 |
8 km W of Cobb, California |
M4.5 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
74 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 7 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Feb 10, 1994 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 1986 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 1978 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1953 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Dec 19, 2023 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| Dec 24, 2015 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2014 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2014 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2014 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Oct 22, 2012 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Oct 22, 2012 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Oct 22, 2012 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jan 8, 2005 |
EF1 |
5 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1993 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1993 |
EF1 |
17 km |
0 |
| Dec 17, 1992 |
EF1 |
17 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Lassen Volcanic Center (118 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Lassen Volcanic Center |
Stratovolcano |
3,187 m (10,456 ft) |
1917 |
118 km |
| Clear Lake |
Volcanic field |
1,439 m (4,721 ft) |
Unknown |
119 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH COMPLEX (316,556 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
NORTH COMPLEX |
316,556 |
47 km |
| 2018 |
CAMP |
153,687 |
36 km |
| 1990 |
CAMPBELL |
128,266 |
73 km |
| 2015 |
ROCKY |
96,125 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY |
92,450 |
100 km |
| 2012 |
CHIPS |
79,978 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
MOSQUITO |
77,858 |
84 km |
| 1999 |
GUN 2 |
61,203 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
BTU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (LONG BRANCH-JACK) |
52,091 |
47 km |
| 2000 |
STORRIE |
49,588 |
69 km |
| 1994 |
BARKLEY |
44,256 |
79 km |
| 2004 |
RUMSEY |
39,335 |
99 km |
| 1999 |
SIXTEEN |
37,162 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
49R |
36,673 |
34 km |
| 1999 |
MHRD COMPLEX (BUCKS) |
34,459 |
54 km |
| 2012 |
MILL |
29,924 |
96 km |
| 2013 |
AMERICAN |
27,938 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
CANYON COMPLEX (SCOTCH) |
26,418 |
43 km |
| 2008 |
HUMBOLDT |
23,769 |
33 km |
| 2008 |
CUB COMPLEX (CUB) |
20,772 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (9°C) |
5.2 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| March |
56°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
0.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
0.0 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
47°F (9°C) |
4.6 in |
|
Palermo has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 47°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.7 inches, with January being the wettest month (5.2") and July the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Palermo. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166-$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221-$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111-$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886-$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83-$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166-$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28-$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55-$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443-$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111-$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66-$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55-$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166-$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428-$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443-$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089-$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554-$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535-$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214-$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886-$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221-$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107-$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33-$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83-$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28-$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55-$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32-$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77-$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77-$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32-$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43-$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66-$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89-$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33-$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55-$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83-$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328-$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86-$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33-$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17-$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664-$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554-$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221-$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28-$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443-$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535-$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55-$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111-$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,581 |
| Toddler | $949 |
| Preschool | $771 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,184 |
| Toddler | $1,044 |
| Preschool | $974 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palermo
What is the population of Palermo?
Palermo has a population of 5,440 residents and is located in California. The population density is 187 people per square mile, spread across 29.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Palermo expensive to live in?
Palermo is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $47,893, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $287,000 (2% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,067 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Palermo?
Palermo enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 25.7 inches.
How is the job market in Palermo?
The job market in Palermo faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,287. There are 2,146 business establishments in the area, including 95 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 8.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palermo?
The median home value in Palermo is $287,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,090. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $330,000, with homes typically selling within 86 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,067. Fair market rent is $1,647 for a 1-bedroom and $2,053 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,709.
How are the schools in Palermo?
Schools in Palermo have an average test score of 4.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.3% of adults in Palermo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.6% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palermo?
The obesity rate in Palermo is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 30.9% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 83.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,907.
What is transportation like in Palermo?
The average commute in Palermo is 27 minutes. 77% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palermo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palermo is 67.5% White, 4.2% Black or African American, 25.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Asian. 80.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.9% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 93.4% have health insurance coverage.