Median Income
$26,615
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
832/100K
119% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.3%
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.8%
29% lower than US avg
How Palmetto Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population127
Median Age52.1 yrs
Density143/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 39%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$26,615
Per Capita$53,462
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty8.8%
County GDP$3,178M
Commute21 min
Housing
Ownership50.6%
Zillow$77,942
Housing Units122
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent832/100K
Property1,830/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured11.7%
Smoking25.4%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease8.1%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain61.6 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation35 ft (11 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.3%
High School+71.8%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score4.19
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute21 min
Broadband79.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Palmetto a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palmetto receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Palmetto has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Palmetto is $26,615, 65% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 8.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Safety & Crime
With 832 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,830 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Palmetto enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 61.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Palmetto has a population of 127 with a density of 143 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 52.1 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly Black (55.9%), with 39.4% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 6.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 90.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.1yrs
Median Age
34% 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 Palmetto is $26,615, which is 65% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $53,462 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $906, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,100 business establishments, including 117 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $26,615 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $53,462 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $906 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,578 |
| Gini Index | 0.501 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.8% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,100 |
| County GDP | $3,178M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 117 |
| Healthcare | 268 |
| Retail | 292 |
| Manufacturing | 53 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,007 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.6% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $77,942. Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 50.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 122 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $2,007 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.4% |
| Housing Units | 122 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,007 |
| 43% below US avg |
In Palmetto, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.1% of residents, above the national average. 43.7% have high blood pressure. 25.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 35.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.7% experience frequent mental distress. 11.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,492. The dentist ratio is 1:3,145. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palmetto vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.8% |
| Heart Disease | 8.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.7% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 10.5% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.4% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.1% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 22.7% |
| Physical Distress | 18.2% |
| Short Sleep | 41.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.4% |
| Uninsured | 11.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,492 |
| Dentists | 1:3,145 |
| Mental Health | 1:422 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.3% |
| Dental Visits | 46.2% |
| Premature Death | 16,089/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 268 |
Palmetto has a violent crime rate of 832 per 100,000 residents, 119% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,830 per 100,000, 7% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 21 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Palmetto receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Palmetto vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 832.0/100K |
| 119% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,830.3/100K |
| 7% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 21 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Palmetto enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 313 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 61.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 35 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
53°F Jan (11°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 68.3°F |
| 26% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 35 ft (11 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 143/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.7177°N, 91.9091°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. Landry Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Lafayette Regional/Paul Fournet Field (LFT)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.6"
62% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
6.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 90.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 2, 2010.
| Aug 2, 2010 |
16 km ESE of Clinton, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
23 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
158 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
107 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
143 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
201 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
117 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
127 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
276 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
200 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
47 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
169 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
224 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
203 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
243 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 3 |
88 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
288 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
257 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
31 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
263 km |
| 1988 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
289 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
247 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
656 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 37 fatalities, 604 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
7 km |
1 |
| May 17, 2020 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1984 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1981 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1973 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1972 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1969 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (12,496 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
12,496 |
71 km |
| 2023 |
HWY 113 |
7,104 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
C-368 366 365 364 75 |
5,919 |
83 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
87 km |
| 2019 |
C-371/369/34 |
4,481 |
80 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,648 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,599 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,338 |
81 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
3,203 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
RX CALE C-34-369 |
3,183 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
C-34/369 |
3,160 |
81 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
3,113 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
C371/372 |
2,944 |
78 km |
| 2010 |
COMPARTMENT 100 PBURN |
2,890 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
C-29 |
2,883 |
89 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,666 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
2,648 |
78 km |
| 2021 |
MELDER 1 |
2,578 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
EVANGELINE COMPARTMENT 361 |
2,553 |
86 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,552 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (11°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| February |
53°F (12°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| March |
60°F (15°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| June |
80°F (26°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
67°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Driest |
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
6.1 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Palmetto has a seasonal temperature swing of 30°F / from 52°F in December to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 61.5 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.1") and October the driest (4.3").
Average costs for common services in Palmetto. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $572 |
| Toddler | $572 |
| Preschool | $574 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $462 |
| Toddler | $462 |
| Preschool | $462 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palmetto
What is the population of Palmetto?
Palmetto has a population of 127 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 143 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Palmetto expensive to live in?
Palmetto is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $26,615, 65% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Palmetto safe?
Public safety is a concern in Palmetto, with a violent crime rate of 832 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,830 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Palmetto receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Palmetto?
Palmetto enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 61.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Palmetto?
The job market in Palmetto is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $906. There are 2,100 business establishments in the area, including 117 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 8.6% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Palmetto?
Schools in Palmetto have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 22.3% of adults in Palmetto hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.8% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palmetto?
The obesity rate in Palmetto is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.4% of adults are smokers. 35.1% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 11.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,492.
What is transportation like in Palmetto?
The average commute in Palmetto is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 65.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palmetto?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmetto is 39.4% White, 55.9% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 6.8% of residents have a disability. 90.4% have health insurance coverage.
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