Median Income
$46,228
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$153,400
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
587/100K
54% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.3%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,032
11% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.1%
14% higher than US avg
How Palestine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population18,888
Median Age35.4 yrs
Density971/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 50%
Economy
B
Median Income$46,228
Per Capita$26,983
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty14.1%
County GDP$2,738M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$153,400
Rent$1,032
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$186,984
Crime
F
Violent587/100K
Property4,118/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault388/100K
Burglary888/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain46.8 in/yr
Elevation513 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.3%
High School+89.6%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 19%
Commute23 min
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Is Palestine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palestine receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, 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 $46,228, 38% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palestine is $153,400, 46% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,032 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 587 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,118 per 100,000, 110% above the national average.
Education
16.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Palestine enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Palestine has a population of 18,888 with a density of 971 people per square mile. The median age is 35.4 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (50.2%), with 2.6% Hispanic, 28.1% Black.
Population
35.4yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Palestine vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 87.3% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Spanish | 12.7% |
| 5% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Palestine vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Palestine is $46,228, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income: Palestine vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,228 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,983 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,138 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,432 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,672 |
| County GDP | $2,738M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 89 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 158 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,032 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.6 min |
| Work from Home | 5.4% |
The median home value in Palestine is $153,400, 46% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,032 (11% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $186,984.
Home Values
| Census Median | $153,400 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $186,984 |
| Median List Price | $225,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $225,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $112 |
| Homes Sold | 11 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 89.9% |
| Price Drops | 24.0% |
| Inventory | 96 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,032 |
| 11% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,032 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.93% |
In Palestine, 41.2% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.0% report depression. 33.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Palestine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.2% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.2% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,854/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Palestine has a violent crime rate of 587 per 100,000 residents, 54% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,118 per 100,000 (110% above US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Palestine vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 586.7/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 113.0/100K |
| Robbery | 86.1/100K |
| Assault | 387.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,117.6/100K |
| 110% above US avg |
| Burglary | 888.1/100K |
| Theft | 2,992.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 236.8/100K |
| Arson | 5.4/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Palestine has an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation is 46.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.6°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 46.8 inches |
| 23% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.1 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 513 ft (156 m) |
| Area | 19.5 sq mi (50.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 971/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.7545°N, 95.6470°W |
| County FIPS | 48001 |