Median Income
$34,403
54% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,600
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
297/100K
22% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.6%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
1% higher than US avg
How Palo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population409
Median Age26.1 yrs
Density584/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans1.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$34,403
Per Capita$13,500
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty12.5%
County GDP$1,982M
Commute43 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,600
Ownership85.7%
Zillow$230,599
Housing Units127
Rent Burden24.7%
Crime
F
Violent297/100K
Property1,609/100K
Health
Obesity42.6%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking20.3%
Depression32.0%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation801 ft (244 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+88.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute43 min
Broadband85.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Palo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palo receives an overall livability score of 3.5 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 below-average incomes, long commute times, high obesity rates. Palo offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Palo is $34,403, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. 12.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average 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 Palo is $92,600, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Palo is below the national average at 297 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,609 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Palo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Palo has a population of 409 with a density of 584 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 26.1 years, 33% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.9% female and 53.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.7% of residents, while 14.3% speak Spanish. 1.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 7.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 81.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.1yrs
Median Age
33% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.7%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.3%
7% above US avg
The median household income in Palo is $34,403, which is 54% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,500 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,055, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 794 business establishments, including 73 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, 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 | $34,403 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,500 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,055 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,876 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 794 |
| County GDP | $1,982M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 73 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 124 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 43.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 29.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Palo is $92,600, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $230,599, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 127 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,958. 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $92,600 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $230,599 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.3% |
| Housing Units | 127 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.27% |
In Palo, 42.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 34.6% have high blood pressure. 20.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.7% report binge drinking. 29.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 32.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,077. The dentist ratio is 1:2,418. 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.6% |
| Asthma | 13.1% |
| COPD | 9.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.3% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.1% |
| Depression | 32.0% |
| Mental Distress | 22.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
| Short Sleep | 37.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,077 |
| Dentists | 1:2,418 |
| Mental Health | 1:426 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,638/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Palo has a violent crime rate of 297 per 100,000 residents, 22% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,609 per 100,000, 18% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Palo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Palo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 297.4/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,609.4/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Palo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 34.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 801 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.1°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 801 ft (244 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 584/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1107°N, 84.9861°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Gratiot County County |
| Nearest Airport | Capital Region International (LAN)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.0"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 54.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
104 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
47 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
353 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 133 fatalities, 1,267 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
92 km |
116 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
40 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
77 km |
5 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
75 km |
2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
79 km |
2 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2003 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Palo has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in February to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.4").
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) |
$241 ($144-$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192-$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96-$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770-$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72-$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144-$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385-$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96-$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58-$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48-$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144-$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848-$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385-$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291-$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481-$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810-$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924-$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770-$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192-$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962-$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72-$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48-$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89-$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41-$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41-$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89-$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85-$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58-$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77-$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48-$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72-$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154-$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577-$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481-$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192-$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385-$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810-$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96-$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $614 |
| Toddler | $614 |
| Preschool | $578 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $636 |
| Toddler | $636 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palo
What is the population of Palo?
Palo has a population of 409 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 584 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.9% female and 53.1% male.
Is Palo expensive to live in?
Palo has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $34,403, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $92,600 (67% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Palo safe?
Palo is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 297 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,609 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Palo receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Palo?
Palo has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Palo?
The job market in Palo is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,055. There are 794 business establishments in the area, including 73 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 Palo?
The median home value in Palo is $92,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $230,599. The homeownership rate is 85.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,958.
How are the schools in Palo?
Schools in Palo score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Palo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palo?
The obesity rate in Palo is 42.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.3% of adults are smokers. 29.1% are physically inactive. 32.0% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,077.
What is transportation like in Palo?
The average commute in Palo is 43 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 29% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palo is 100% White. 85.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.3% speak Spanish. 1.5% of the population are military veterans. 7.9% of residents have a disability. 81.1% have health insurance coverage.
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