Median Income
$57,159
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$65,000
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
78/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.3%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$738
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.4%
40% lower than US avg
How Palisade Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population321
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density892/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans12.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,159
Per Capita$28,889
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty7.4%
County GDP$182M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,000
Rent$738
Ownership90.9%
Zillow$131,231
Housing Units175
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent78/100K
Property3,079/100K
Health
Obesity42.0%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking15.8%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain20.3 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,764 ft (842 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.3%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score6.43
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 11%
Commute22 min
Broadband83.2%
Libraries4
Is Palisade a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palisade receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Palisade offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Palisade is $57,159, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. Only 7.4% 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 Palisade is $65,000, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $738 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Palisade is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,079 per 100,000, 57% above the national average.
Education
16.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Palisade experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.3 inches, including 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Palisade has a population of 321 with a density of 892 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.2% female and 54.8% male. The city is predominantly White (91.9%), with 2.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 12.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 37.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Palisade is $57,159, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,889 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $983, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 92 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,159 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,889 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $983 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,859 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.4% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 92 |
| County GDP | $182M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 9 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Palisade is $65,000, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,231, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $738 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 175 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1942. 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $65,000 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $131,231 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $738 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.1% |
| Housing Units | 175 |
| Median Year Built | 1942 |
Property Tax
In Palisade, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 21.8% report binge drinking. 27.0% are physically inactive. 19.9% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,586. 24.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palisade vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.0% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,586 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 56.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,455/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 24.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Palisade has a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,079 per 100,000, 57% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Palisade receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Palisade vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 78.0/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,079.1/100K |
| 57% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Palisade experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 308 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 20.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 21.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 2,764 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,764 ft (842 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 892/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3484°N, 101.1075°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hitchcock County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.3"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.3 on Apr 19, 2018.
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
139 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
86 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
42 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
93 km |
| Apr 14, 2002 |
12 km SSW of Lebanon, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
140 km |
| Sep 10, 2010 |
8 km WNW of Norton, Kansas |
M2.6 |
110 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
4 km NW of Arnold, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
501 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 49 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2000 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1991 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1989 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1978 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1972 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1967 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1954 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1953 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROAD 702 (45,166 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
80 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
15,972 |
89 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
11,012 |
44 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
CHERRY CREEK |
4,273 |
83 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,473 |
52 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,706 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,866 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
WANO |
1,556 |
85 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
41 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
10 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,397 |
84 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
18 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,262 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Palisade has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 28°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palisade
What is the population of Palisade?
Palisade has a population of 321 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 892 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.2% female and 54.8% male.
Is Palisade expensive to live in?
Palisade is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $57,159, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,000 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $738 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Palisade safe?
Palisade is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,079 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Palisade receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Palisade?
Palisade has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.3 inches, with 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Palisade?
The job market in Palisade is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $983. There are 92 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palisade?
The median home value in Palisade is $65,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,231. For renters, the median monthly rent is $738. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.9%.
How are the schools in Palisade?
Schools in Palisade score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.3% of adults in Palisade hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palisade?
The obesity rate in Palisade is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 27.0% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 24.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,586.
What is transportation like in Palisade?
The average commute in Palisade is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palisade?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palisade is 91.9% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 12.5% of the population are military veterans. 37.9% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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