Median Income
$89,924
20% higher than US avg
Home Value
$134,900
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
381/100K
0% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.9%
91% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,086
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.7%
70% lower than US avg
How Palestine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population925
Median Age30.4 yrs
Density907/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans10.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$89,924
Per Capita$28,922
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty3.7%
County GDP$7,836M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,900
Rent$1,086
Ownership81.7%
Zillow$222,757
Housing Units373
Rent Burden11.7%
Crime
F
Violent381/100K
Property3,171/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Smoking18.7%
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain40.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation818 ft (249 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.9%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.04
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute25 min
Broadband97.3%
EV Stations6
Libraries6
Is Palestine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palestine receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Palestine has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Palestine is $89,924, 20% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palestine is $134,900, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,086 per month. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 381 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,171 per 100,000, 62% above the national average.
Education
2.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Palestine experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Palestine has a population of 925 with a density of 907 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 30.4 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.8% female and 38.2% male. The city is predominantly White (94.8%), with 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.4yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Palestine vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Palestine vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Palestine is $89,924, which is 20% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,922 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,133, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,157 business establishments, including 180 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Palestine vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $89,924 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,922 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,133 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,961 |
| Gini Index | 0.413 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.7% |
| 70% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,157 |
| County GDP | $7,836M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 180 |
| Healthcare | 173 |
| Retail | 284 |
| Manufacturing | 181 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,375 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Palestine is $134,900, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,757, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,086 (7% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 373 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,375 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 11.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $134,900 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $222,757 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,086 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 11.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.3% |
| Housing Units | 373 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,375 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.24% |
In Palestine, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 35.1% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.3% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,289. The dentist ratio is 1:3,109. 59.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palestine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.1% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,289 |
| Dentists | 1:3,109 |
| Mental Health | 1:525 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 61.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,156/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 173 |
Palestine has a violent crime rate of 381 per 100,000 residents, 0% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,171 per 100,000, 62% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 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 | 381.4/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,170.9/100K |
| 62% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| 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 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 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 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 818 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 818 ft (249 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 907/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1748°N, 85.9456°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Kosciusko County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.5"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
126 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
59 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
102 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
526 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 147 fatalities, 2,422 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
50 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
54 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
40 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
25 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
98 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Palestine has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.8").
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) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Palestine
What is the population of Palestine?
Palestine has a population of 925 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 907 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.8% female and 38.2% male.
Is Palestine expensive to live in?
Palestine is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $89,924, 20% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $134,900 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,086 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Palestine safe?
The violent crime rate in Palestine is 381 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,171 per 100,000 (above 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 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Palestine?
Palestine has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,133. There are 2,157 business establishments in the area, including 180 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palestine?
The median home value in Palestine is $134,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,757. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,086. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,375.
How are the schools in Palestine?
Schools in Palestine score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.9% of adults in Palestine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palestine?
The obesity rate in Palestine is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 59.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,289.
What is transportation like in Palestine?
The average commute in Palestine is 25 minutes. 80.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palestine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palestine is 94.8% White, 1.4% Black or African American. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
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