Median Income
$46,477
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,400
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.6%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$670
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
60% lower than US avg
How Palmyra Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population524
Median Age50.4 yrs
Density524/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,477
Per Capita$28,322
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty4.9%
County GDP$1,525M
Commute43 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,400
Rent$670
Ownership81.2%
Zillow$142,395
Housing Units334
Rent Burden29.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property393/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking17.9%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation678 ft (207 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.6%
High School+83.2%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.54
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute43 min
Broadband75.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Palmyra a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palmyra receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times. Palmyra offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Palmyra is $46,477, 38% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palmyra is $86,400, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $670 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Palmyra is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 393 per 100,000, 80% below the national average.
Education
10.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Palmyra experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches, including 16.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Palmyra has a population of 524 with a density of 524 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 50.4 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (98.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.4yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Palmyra is $46,477, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,322 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $898, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 887 business establishments, including 88 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,477 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,322 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $898 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,326 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.9% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 887 |
| County GDP | $1,525M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 88 |
| Healthcare | 78 |
| Retail | 116 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,826 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 42.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Palmyra is $86,400, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,395, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $670 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 334 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $3,826. 29.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,400 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $142,395 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $670 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.8% |
| Housing Units | 334 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,826 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.43% |
In Palmyra, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.7% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,037. The dentist ratio is 1:2,950. 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palmyra vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 37.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,037 |
| Dentists | 1:2,950 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,158 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 78 |
Palmyra has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 393 per 100,000, 80% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Palmyra receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Palmyra vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 393.4/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Palmyra experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 40.0 inches. The area receives 16.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 678 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.4°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 678 ft (207 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 524/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.4345°N, 89.9959°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Macoupin County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.0"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0477 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.61 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
96 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
94 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
93 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
113 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
110 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
104 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
119 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
87 km |
| May 17, 2022 |
6 km NNW of Mount Vernon, Illinois |
M2.5 |
149 km |
| Jan 15, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
655 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 25 fatalities, 849 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
43 km |
2 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
76 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Palmyra has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 28°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Palmyra. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $855 |
| Toddler | $766 |
| Preschool | $818 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $570 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palmyra
What is the population of Palmyra?
Palmyra has a population of 524 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 524 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
Is Palmyra expensive to live in?
Palmyra has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $46,477, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,400 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $670 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Palmyra safe?
Palmyra is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 393 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Palmyra receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Palmyra?
Palmyra has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.0 inches, with 16.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Palmyra?
Palmyra has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $898. There are 887 business establishments in the area, including 88 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 43 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palmyra?
The median home value in Palmyra is $86,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,395. For renters, the median monthly rent is $670. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,826.
How are the schools in Palmyra?
Schools in Palmyra score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.6% of adults in Palmyra hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.2% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palmyra?
The obesity rate in Palmyra is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,037.
What is transportation like in Palmyra?
The average commute in Palmyra is 43 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 87% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palmyra?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmyra is 98.3% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 19.8% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
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