Median Income
$103,646
38% higher than US avg
Home Value
$274,200
3% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.5%
18% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,063
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.6%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.9%
93% lower than US avg
How Palo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,173
Median Age32.7 yrs
Density978/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$103,646
Per Capita$41,216
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty0.9%
County GDP$21,899M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$274,200
Rent$1,063
Ownership95.3%
Zillow$341,983
Housing Units430
Rent Burden23.8%
Health
Obesity32.6%
Uninsured2.0%
Smoking11.7%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain35.9 in/yr
Elevation744 ft (227 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.5%
High School+98.6%
Graduate+6.4%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Commute27 min
Broadband96.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries12
Is Palo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palo receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Palo stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Palo is $103,646, which is significantly higher than the national average / 38% above $75,149. This places Palo among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 0.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palo is $274,200, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,063 per month. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
27.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Palo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches, including 34.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Palo has a population of 1,173 with a density of 978 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 32.7 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 5.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,173
Total Population
2023 Census
32.7yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in Palo is $103,646, which is 38% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,216. The average weekly wage is $1,300. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,760 business establishments, including 543 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 13.6% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $103,646 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,216 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,300 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,771 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.9% |
| 93% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,760 |
| County GDP | $21,899M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 543 |
| Healthcare | 760 |
| Retail | 691 |
| Manufacturing | 202 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,996 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.6% |
The median home value in Palo is $274,200, 3% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $341,983, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $272,500 with homes selling in an average of 103 days. Homes sell for 105.5% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,063 (9% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 430 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2004. The average annual property tax is $5,996 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $274,200 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $341,983 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $272,500 |
| Median List Price | $265,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $272,500 |
| Median List Price | $265,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $141 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Days on Market | 103 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 105.5% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,063 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.7% |
| Housing Units | 430 |
| Median Year Built | 2004 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,996 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.19% |
In Palo, 32.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 25.7% have high blood pressure. 11.7% are current smokers. 24.0% report binge drinking. 18.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 2.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,601. The dentist ratio is 1:1,347. 92.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.6% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.7% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.7% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.1% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.0% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 2.0% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,601 |
| Dentists | 1:1,347 |
| Mental Health | 1:322 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 72.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,001/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 760 |
Palo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. The area receives 34.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. 64% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 744 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 744 ft (227 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 978/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0642°N, 91.7993°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Linn County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID) 12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.9"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.56"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 64.2% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0481 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.46 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 11.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
627 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 503 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
68 km |
5 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
6 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
44 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
42 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
37 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Palo has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.6") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Palo. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132-$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176-$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88-$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702-$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66-$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132-$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351-$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88-$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53-$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44-$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132-$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512-$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351-$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829-$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439-$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390-$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756-$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702-$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176-$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878-$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66-$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44-$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63-$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20-$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20-$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63-$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51-$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53-$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70-$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($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-$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054-$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26-$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527-$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439-$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176-$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351-$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390-$26,340) |
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 |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88-$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $719 |
| Toddler | $619 |
| Preschool | $619 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $483 |
| Toddler | $475 |
| Preschool | $475 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palo
What is the population of Palo?
Palo has a population of 1,173 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 978 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 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 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Palo expensive to live in?
Palo is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $103,646, 38% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $274,200 (3% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,063 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Palo?
Palo has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 35.9 inches, with 34.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Palo?
The job market in Palo is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,300. There are 7,760 business establishments in the area, including 543 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 13.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palo?
The median home value in Palo is $274,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $341,983. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $272,500, with homes typically selling within 103 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,063. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 95.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,996.
How are the schools in Palo?
Schools in Palo score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.5% of adults in Palo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.6% have completed high school. 6.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palo?
The obesity rate in Palo is 32.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.7% of adults are smokers. 18.1% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 2.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 92.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,601.
What is transportation like in Palo?
The average commute in Palo is 27 minutes. 79.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palo is 94.2% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 5.2% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.