Median Income
$78,750
5% higher than US avg
Home Value
$123,200
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
319/100K
16% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.0%
7% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Panola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population32
Median Age53.5 yrs
Density74/mi²
Male / Female63% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans28.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$78,750
Per Capita$41,216
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,783M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,200
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$180,977
Housing Units18
Rent Burden28.1%
Crime
F
Violent319/100K
Property1,593/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Smoking15.9%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation732 ft (223 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+13.0%
School Score6.65
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute31 min
Broadband17.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Panola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Panola receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Panola offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Panola is $78,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Panola is $123,200, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Panola is below the national average at 319 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,593 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Panola experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 21.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Panola has a population of 32 with a density of 74 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 53.5 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.5% female and 62.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.5% of residents, while 12.5% speak Spanish. 28.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.5yrs
Median Age
38% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.5%
11% above US avg
Spanish
12.5%
7% below US avg
The median household income in Panola is $78,750, which is 5% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,216. The average weekly wage is $1,058, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 803 business establishments, including 56 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,750 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,216 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,058 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $97,599 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 803 |
| County GDP | $1,783M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 56 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 100 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,738 |
| 93% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Panola is $123,200, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,977, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 18 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2000. The average annual property tax is $6,738 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,200 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $180,977 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 18 |
| Median Year Built | 2000 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,738 |
| 93% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.47% |
In Panola, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,249. The dentist ratio is 1:5,447. 74.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Panola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,249 |
| Dentists | 1:5,447 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,252 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,803/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Panola has a violent crime rate of 319 per 100,000 residents, 16% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,593 per 100,000, 19% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Panola receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Panola vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 318.6/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,592.9/100K |
| 19% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Panola experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 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 37.7 inches. The area receives 21.7 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 732 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 732 ft (223 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 74/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7828°N, 89.0202°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Woodford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| 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
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
76 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
110 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
99 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
55 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
737 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 741 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
50 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
60 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
56 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1972 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Panola has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 24°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Panola. 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 | $1,157 |
| Toddler | $989 |
| Preschool | $954 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $638 |
| Toddler | $654 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Panola
What is the population of Panola?
Panola has a population of 32 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 74 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.5% female and 62.5% male.
Is Panola expensive to live in?
Panola has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $78,750, 5% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,200 (56% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Panola safe?
Panola is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 319 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,593 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Panola receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Panola?
Panola has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 21.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Panola?
The job market in Panola is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,058. There are 803 business establishments in the area, including 56 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Panola?
The median home value in Panola is $123,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,977. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,738.
How are the schools in Panola?
Schools in Panola score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.0% of adults in Panola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 13.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Panola?
The obesity rate in Panola is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 74.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,249.
What is transportation like in Panola?
The average commute in Panola is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Panola?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Panola is 100% White. 87.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.5% speak Spanish. 28.0% of the population are military veterans. 4.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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