Home Value
$90,700
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
354/100K
7% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.0%
94% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$979
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.5%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.1%
125% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
4% lower than US avg
How Paragon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population564
Median Age42.8 yrs
Density2,014/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
Per Capita$24,791
Unemployment8.1%
Poverty11.9%
County GDP$3,059M
Commute27 min
Housing
Home Value$90,700
Rent$979
Ownership73.6%
Zillow$255,867
Housing Units296
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent354/100K
Property2,968/100K
Health
Obesity38.5%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking19.7%
Depression27.8%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain49.7 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation581 ft (177 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.0%
High School+80.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.05
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute27 min
Broadband98.6%
EV Stations7
Libraries7
Is Paragon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Paragon receives an overall livability score of 1.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Paragon faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 8.1%, unemployment is notably high. 11.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Paragon is $90,700, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $979 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Paragon is below the national average at 354 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,968 per 100,000, 51% above the national average.
Education
2.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Paragon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.7 inches, including 15.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Paragon has a population of 564 with a density of 2,014 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 42.8 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (95.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 28.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.8yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
Per capita income is $24,791 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $961, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,396 business establishments, including 108 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $24,791 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,454 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.1% |
| 125% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,396 |
| County GDP | $3,059M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 108 |
| Healthcare | 110 |
| Retail | 168 |
| Manufacturing | 69 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,320 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
The median home value in Paragon is $90,700, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,867, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $979 (16% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 296 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,320 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Home Values
| Census Median | $90,700 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $255,867 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $138 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $979 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.4% |
| Housing Units | 296 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,320 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.56% |
In Paragon, 38.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 19.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 27.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,490. The dentist ratio is 1:2,125. 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Paragon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.5% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.7% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,490 |
| Dentists | 1:2,125 |
| Mental Health | 1:990 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 52.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,539/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 110 |
Paragon has a violent crime rate of 354 per 100,000 residents, 7% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,968 per 100,000, 51% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Paragon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Paragon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 353.9/100K |
| 7% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,968.4/100K |
| 51% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Paragon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 75°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 49.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 15.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 581 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.8°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 581 ft (177 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,014/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3950°N, 86.5628°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Morgan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Indianapolis International (IND) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.7"
31% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.7 on Sep 10, 2023.
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
140 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
79 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
113 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
135 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
81 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
22 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
44 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
85 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
73 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Sep 10, 2023 |
9 km E of Parkersburg, Illinois |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
1 km NNW of Emison, Indiana |
M2.7 |
101 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
106 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
540 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 50 fatalities, 856 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF4 |
96 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
78 km |
4 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
74 km |
28 |
| Apr 25, 1961 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
18 km |
2 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2008 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2002 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,547 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
40 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,102 |
45 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
898 |
40 km |
| 2010 |
FORK RIDGE RX |
697 |
54 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
670 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Paragon has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 29°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Paragon. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Paragon
What is the population of Paragon?
Paragon has a population of 564 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 2,014 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Paragon expensive to live in?
Paragon is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $90,700 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $979 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Paragon safe?
Paragon is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 354 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,968 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Paragon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Paragon?
Paragon has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.7 inches, with 15.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Paragon?
The job market in Paragon faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $961. There are 1,396 business establishments in the area, including 108 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Paragon?
The median home value in Paragon is $90,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,867. For renters, the median monthly rent is $979. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,320.
How are the schools in Paragon?
Schools in Paragon score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.0% of adults in Paragon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Paragon?
The obesity rate in Paragon is 38.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.7% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 27.8% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,490.
What is transportation like in Paragon?
The average commute in Paragon is 27 minutes. 77.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Paragon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Paragon is 95.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 28.5% of residents have a disability. 88.4% have health insurance coverage.