Median Income
$60,449
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$221,500
21% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
308/100K
19% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.9%
21% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,385
19% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
40.9%
230% higher than US avg
How Palmdale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,507
Median Age32.7 yrs
Density1,011/mi²
Male / Female42% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 67%
Veterans10.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$60,449
Per Capita$32,572
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty40.9%
County GDP$8,097M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$221,500
Rent$1,385
Ownership38.5%
Zillow$391,872
Housing Units674
Rent Burden21.8%
Crime
F
Violent308/100K
Property1,770/100K
Health
Obesity43.8%
Smoking26.6%
Heart Disease8.6%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain44.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation414 ft (126 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.9%
High School+89.0%
Graduate+8.6%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 34%
Commute35 min
Broadband94.8%
EV Stations12
Libraries6
Is Palmdale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palmdale receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, long commute times, high obesity rates. Palmdale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Palmdale is $60,449, 20% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 40.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palmdale is $221,500, 21% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,385 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Palmdale is below the national average at 308 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,770 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 89.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Palmdale experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.2 inches, including 29.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Palmdale has a population of 1,507 with a density of 1,011 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 32.7 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.5% female and 41.5% male. The city is predominantly White (67.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.7yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Palmdale is $60,449, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,572 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 40.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,936 business establishments, including 232 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 8.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,449 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,572 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,749 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 40.9% |
| 230% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,936 |
| County GDP | $8,097M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 232 |
| Healthcare | 286 |
| Retail | 413 |
| Manufacturing | 200 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,794 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.62% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.6% |
| Public Transit | 8.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.0% |
The median home value in Palmdale is $221,500, 21% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $391,872, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,385 (19% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 38.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 674 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $5,794 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $221,500 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $391,872 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,385 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 38.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 38.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 61.5% |
| Housing Units | 674 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,794 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.62% |
In Palmdale, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.6% of residents, above the national average. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 26.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.1% report binge drinking. 38.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,729. The dentist ratio is 1:1,846. 82.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palmdale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.0% |
| Heart Disease | 8.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 9.5% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Kidney Disease | 4.3% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.6% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 20.5% |
| Short Sleep | 45.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,729 |
| Dentists | 1:1,846 |
| Mental Health | 1:277 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.9% |
| Dental Visits | 46.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,405/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 286 |
Palmdale has a violent crime rate of 308 per 100,000 residents, 19% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,770 per 100,000, 10% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Palmdale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Palmdale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 308.4/100K |
| 19% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,769.9/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Palmdale experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 77°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 44.2 inches. The area receives 29.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 414 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.3°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 414 ft (126 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,011/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2960°N, 76.6236°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lebanon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Harrisburg International (MDT) 10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.2"
16% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0453 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
28 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
50 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
52 km |
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
133 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
76 km |
| Oct 23, 1990 |
3 km W of Hancocks Bridge, New Jersey |
M3.2 |
129 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Milford, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
38 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
36 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
43 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
52 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
48 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
52 km |
| Jul 1, 2009 |
3 km ESE of Pennsville, New Jersey |
M2.8 |
121 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
37 km |
| Oct 28, 1994 |
1 km E of Mount Vernon, Maryland |
M2.7 |
111 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
29 km |
| Mar 15, 1993 |
5 km W of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.7 |
121 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
4 km ESE of Downingtown, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
89 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Irene (2011, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
281 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
259 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
366 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 8 fatalities, 249 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 14, 2004 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
94 km |
3 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1970 |
EF3 |
30 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 1961 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1955 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Apr 5, 1952 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Nov 4, 1950 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2006 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1840 |
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA |
Earthquake |
— |
— |
133 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HOPEWELL FIRE (812 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HOPEWELL FIRE |
812 |
75 km |
| 2015 |
RAZOR FIRE |
728 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Palmdale has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 31°F in February to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Palmdale. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Palmdale
What is the population of Palmdale?
Palmdale has a population of 1,507 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 1,011 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.5% female and 41.5% male.
Is Palmdale expensive to live in?
Palmdale has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $60,449, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $221,500 (21% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,385 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Palmdale safe?
Palmdale is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 308 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,770 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Palmdale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Palmdale?
Palmdale has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.2 inches, with 29.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Palmdale?
Palmdale has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 2,936 business establishments in the area, including 232 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 8.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palmdale?
The median home value in Palmdale is $221,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $391,872. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,385. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 38.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,794.
How are the schools in Palmdale?
Schools in Palmdale score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.9% of adults in Palmdale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 89.0% have completed high school. 8.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palmdale?
The obesity rate in Palmdale is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.6% of adults are smokers. 38.7% are physically inactive. 82.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,729.
What is transportation like in Palmdale?
The average commute in Palmdale is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.6% of workers drive alone to work, 8% use public transit, and 8.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palmdale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmdale is 67.3% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.