Median Income
$36,250
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,500
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.4%
81% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.2%
183% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.4%
8% lower than US avg
How Palisade Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population135
Median Age61.3 yrs
Density199/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans24.1%
Economy
C
Median Income$36,250
Per Capita$27,837
Unemployment10.2%
Poverty11.4%
County GDP$674M
Commute41 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,500
Ownership94.6%
Zillow$263,854
Housing Units81
Rent Burden22.5%
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured1.5%
Smoking20.1%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain31.9 in/yr
Elevation1,241 ft (378 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.4%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute41 min
Broadband74.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Palisade a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palisade receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, long commute times. Palisade has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Palisade is $36,250, 52% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.2%, unemployment is notably high. 11.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palisade is $87,500, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
6.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Palisade has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 31.9 inches, including 59.2 inches of snow.
Palisade has a population of 135 with a density of 199 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 61.3 years, 58% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (86.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 24.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
135
Total Population
2023 Census
61.3yrs
Median Age
58% 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 Palisade is $36,250, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,837 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $917, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 476 business establishments, including 55 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,250 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,837 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $917 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,457 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.2% |
| 183% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.4% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 476 |
| County GDP | $674M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 55 |
| Healthcare | 39 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,500 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 40.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in Palisade is $87,500, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $263,854, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 81 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. The average annual property tax is $3,500. 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,500 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $263,854 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.4% |
| Housing Units | 81 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,500 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.00% |
In Palisade, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.7% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 1.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,135. The dentist ratio is 1:3,225. 48.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palisade vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 1.5% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,135 |
| Dentists | 1:3,225 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,073 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,648/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Palisade has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 31.9 inches. The area receives 59.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,241 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.5°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,241 ft (378 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 199/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.7127°N, 93.4893°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Aitkin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.9"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.74"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
117 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 120 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
56 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
21 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 1996 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1985 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1977 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1977 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
93 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
68 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
21 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
85 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
21 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
21 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
9 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
10 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
72 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
13 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
10 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
33 km |
| 2004 |
SOUTH MAIN ROAD |
1,384 |
23 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Palisade has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 9°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Palisade. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palisade
What is the population of Palisade?
Palisade has a population of 135 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 199 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Palisade expensive to live in?
Palisade has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $36,250, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,500 (69% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Palisade?
Palisade has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 31.9 inches, with 59.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Palisade?
The job market in Palisade faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $917. There are 476 business establishments in the area, including 55 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 41 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palisade?
The median home value in Palisade is $87,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $263,854. The homeownership rate is 94.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,500.
How are the schools in Palisade?
Schools in Palisade score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.4% of adults in Palisade hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palisade?
The obesity rate in Palisade is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 1.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 48.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,135.
What is transportation like in Palisade?
The average commute in Palisade is 41 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palisade?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palisade is 86.7% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 24.1% of the population are military veterans. 23.7% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.