Median Income
$80,709
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$194,200
31% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
57/100K
85% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.2%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$765
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Palmyra Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,042
Median Age37.4 yrs
Density892/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$80,709
Per Capita$35,370
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$6,423M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$194,200
Rent$765
Ownership66.1%
Zillow$358,672
Housing Units904
Rent Burden20.6%
Crime
F
Violent57/100K
Property566/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault57/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking15.0%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation844 ft (257 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.2%
High School+90.3%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute29 min
Broadband89.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries11
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 unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. 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 $80,709, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palmyra is $194,200, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $765 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x 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 57 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 566 per 100,000, 71% below the national average.
Education
14.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Palmyra experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches, including 50.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Palmyra has a population of 2,042 with a density of 892 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 37.4 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.8% female and 53.2% male. The city is predominantly White (91.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.3% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.4yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.3%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
The median household income in Palmyra is $80,709, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,370. The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,401 business establishments, including 337 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 2.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,709 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,370 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,712 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,401 |
| County GDP | $6,423M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 337 |
| Healthcare | 234 |
| Retail | 366 |
| Manufacturing | 188 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,487 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
The median home value in Palmyra is $194,200, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $358,672, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 54% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $765 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 904 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $8,487 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.6% 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 | $194,200 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $358,672 |
| Median List Price | $399,999 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $399,999 |
| $/Sq Ft | $118 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 54.0% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $765 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.9% |
| Housing Units | 904 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,487 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.37% |
In Palmyra, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322. The dentist ratio is 1:2,066. 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palmyra vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,322 |
| Dentists | 1:2,066 |
| Mental Health | 1:670 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,248/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 234 |
Palmyra has a violent crime rate of 57 per 100,000 residents, 85% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 56.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 566 per 100,000, 71% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 566, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Palmyra receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Palmyra vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 56.6/100K |
| 85% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 56.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 565.9/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 565.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Palmyra experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches. The area receives 50.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 844 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 844 ft (257 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 892/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8812°N, 88.5981°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Walworth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southern Wisconsin Regional (JVL) 29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.5"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
102 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
79 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
99 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
529 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 47 fatalities, 1,210 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
22 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1981 |
EF4 |
69 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
78 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
6 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,524 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
71 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
76 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
73 km |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
612 |
78 km |
| 2007 |
TOWER RD 2 |
592 |
73 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
15 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Palmyra has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 19°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.1").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palmyra
What is the population of Palmyra?
Palmyra has a population of 2,042 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 892 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.4 years. The population is 46.8% female and 53.2% male.
Is Palmyra expensive to live in?
Palmyra is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $80,709, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $194,200 (31% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $765 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, 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 57 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 566 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Palmyra receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Palmyra?
Palmyra has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.5 inches, with 50.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Palmyra?
The job market in Palmyra is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 3,401 business establishments in the area, including 337 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 2.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palmyra?
The median home value in Palmyra is $194,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $358,672. For renters, the median monthly rent is $765. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.1%. The average annual property tax is $8,487.
How are the schools in Palmyra?
Schools in Palmyra score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.2% of adults in Palmyra hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palmyra?
The obesity rate in Palmyra is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322.
What is transportation like in Palmyra?
The average commute in Palmyra is 29 minutes. 71.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palmyra?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmyra is 91.5% White. 95.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.