Median Income
$60,000
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$75,800
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
236/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.5%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$755
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.6%
71% lower than US avg
How Palestine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,396
Median Age47.6 yrs
Density1,767/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans11.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,000
Per Capita$29,970
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty3.6%
County GDP$1,657M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$75,800
Rent$755
Ownership80.7%
Zillow$106,877
Housing Units666
Rent Burden21.7%
Crime
F
Violent236/100K
Property1,730/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault236/100K
Burglary708/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking18.1%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain46.3 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation451 ft (137 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.5%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score5.19
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute22 min
Broadband92.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Palestine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palestine receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 high obesity rates. Palestine offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Palestine is $60,000, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palestine is $75,800, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $755 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 Palestine is below the national average at 236 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,730 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
10.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Palestine experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.3 inches, including 11.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Palestine has a population of 1,396 with a density of 1,767 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 47.6 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.6%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.8% of residents. 11.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.6yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Palestine vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.8%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.2%
99% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Palestine vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Palestine is $60,000, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,970 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,186, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 424 business establishments, including 42 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Palestine vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,000 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,970 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,186 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,893 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.6% |
| 71% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 424 |
| County GDP | $1,657M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 42 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 59 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,035 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Palestine is $75,800, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $106,877, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $755 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 666 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $4,035. 21.7% 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 | $75,800 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $106,877 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $755 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.3% |
| Housing Units | 666 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,035 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.32% |
In Palestine, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,073. The dentist ratio is 1:2,317. 58.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palestine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,073 |
| Dentists | 1:2,317 |
| Mental Health | 1:416 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 56.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,129/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Palestine has a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 235.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,730 per 100,000, 12% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,022, burglary at 708, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Palestine receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Palestine vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 235.9/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 235.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,729.6/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| Burglary | 707.6/100K |
| Theft | 1,022.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Palestine experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 46.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 11.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 451 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.1°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 451 ft (137 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,767/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.0016°N, 87.6126°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crawford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (LWV)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.3"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
58 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
66 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
64 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
112 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
66 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
115 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
137 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
96 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
69 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
137 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
14 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
107 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
65 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
66 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
112 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
64 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
88 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
136 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
65 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
73 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
470 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 514 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
60 km |
6 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
40 km |
6 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2002 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1989 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1974 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1961 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Palestine has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 31°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Palestine. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Palestine
What is the population of Palestine?
Palestine has a population of 1,396 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,767 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Palestine expensive to live in?
Palestine has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $60,000, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $75,800 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $755 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 Palestine safe?
Palestine is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,730 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Palestine receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Palestine?
Palestine has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.3 inches, with 11.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Palestine?
The job market in Palestine is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,186. There are 424 business establishments in the area, including 42 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palestine?
The median home value in Palestine is $75,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $106,877. For renters, the median monthly rent is $755. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,035.
How are the schools in Palestine?
Schools in Palestine score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.5% of adults in Palestine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palestine?
The obesity rate in Palestine is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 58.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,073.
What is transportation like in Palestine?
The average commute in Palestine is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palestine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palestine is 93.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.8% of residents speak only English at home. 11.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
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