Median Income
$65,938
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,300
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
359/100K
6% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.8%
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.5%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.6%
71% lower than US avg
How Penelope Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population223
Median Age42.7 yrs
Density225/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,938
Per Capita$33,077
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty3.6%
County GDP$2,179M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,300
Ownership95.5%
Zillow$223,422
Housing Units103
Rent Burden26.9%
Crime
F
Violent359/100K
Property215/100K
Health
Obesity38.5%
Uninsured20.4%
Smoking16.1%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain40.5 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation547 ft (167 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.8%
High School+74.7%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score4.43
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute20 min
Broadband89.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Penelope a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Penelope receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 a high uninsured rate. Penelope offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Penelope is $65,938, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Penelope is $96,300, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Penelope is below the national average at 359 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 215 per 100,000, 89% below the national average.
Education
18.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Penelope enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Penelope has a population of 223 with a density of 225 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 42.7 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57% female and 43% male. The city is predominantly White (78.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 75.5% of residents, while 24.5% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 17.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.7yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
75.5%
4% below US avg
Spanish
24.5%
83% above US avg
The median household income in Penelope is $65,938, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,077 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,274, 11% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 405 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,938 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,077 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,274 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,540 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.6% |
| 71% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 405 |
| County GDP | $2,179M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 57 |
| Retail | 75 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,243 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Penelope is $96,300, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,422, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 103 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $5,243 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,300 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $223,422 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.5% |
| Housing Units | 103 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,243 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.44% |
In Penelope, 38.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 33.9% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 18.0% report binge drinking. 31.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 20.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,458. The dentist ratio is 1:2,782. 54.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Penelope vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.5% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.8% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 42.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.9% |
| Uninsured | 20.4% |
| 137% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,458 |
| Dentists | 1:2,782 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,854 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.0% |
| Dental Visits | 47.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,929/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
Penelope has a violent crime rate of 359 per 100,000 residents, 6% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 215 per 100,000, 89% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Penelope receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Penelope vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 358.9/100K |
| 6% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 215.4/100K |
| 89% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Penelope enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 301 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 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 547 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 65.9°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 547 ft (167 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 225/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.8545°N, 96.9282°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Limestone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waco Regional (ACT)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.5"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 92.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 18.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
86 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.1 on May 1, 2024.
| May 7, 2015 |
5 km N of Venus, Texas |
M4.0 |
72 km |
| Dec 8, 2013 |
0 km NNE of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.6 |
133 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
1 km NNW of Azle, Texas |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Jan 7, 2015 |
6 km NE of Irving, Texas |
M3.6 |
110 km |
| Jan 6, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Irving, Texas |
M3.5 |
109 km |
| Jun 24, 2012 |
3 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.5 |
77 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
3 km WNW of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| May 19, 2018 |
8 km NW of Venus, Texas |
M3.4 |
73 km |
| Sep 30, 2012 |
4 km NW of Irving, Texas |
M3.4 |
110 km |
| May 18, 2015 |
5 km N of Irving, Texas |
M3.3 |
113 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
5 km NNW of Grand Prairie, Texas |
M3.3 |
105 km |
| Jun 15, 2012 |
5 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.3 |
75 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Irving, Texas |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| Jan 18, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Godley, Texas |
M3.3 |
78 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
7 km S of Mansfield, Texas |
M3.2 |
74 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
4 km N of Irving, Texas |
M3.2 |
111 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
7 km SSW of Mansfield, Texas |
M3.1 |
76 km |
| Jan 13, 2014 |
2 km ESE of Reno, Texas |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Feb 27, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Irving, Texas |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Jan 7, 2015 |
4 km NE of Irving, Texas |
M3.1 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
3 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
298 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
181 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 2 |
276 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
594 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 145 fatalities, 1,212 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 6, 1973 |
EF5 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1953 |
EF5 |
40 km |
114 |
| Apr 29, 2017 |
EF4 |
97 km |
2 |
| May 15, 2013 |
EF4 |
99 km |
6 |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
EF4 |
85 km |
3 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1973 |
EF4 |
37 km |
6 |
| Mar 31, 1959 |
EF4 |
28 km |
6 |
| Apr 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Dec 26, 2015 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2013 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2000 |
EF3 |
42 km |
2 |
| Mar 28, 2000 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1997 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1981 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1981 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1978 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CRITTENBERG COMPLEX (21,391 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
CRITTENBERG COMPLEX |
21,391 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
CHALK MOUNTAIN |
6,461 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
5,706 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
BIG TRICKLE RANCH FIRE |
3,623 |
80 km |
| 2011 |
C#491 |
3,616 |
32 km |
| 2009 |
OWL CREEK |
2,376 |
97 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,067 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
200 MOUNTAIN RIDGE |
2,051 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
BROWNS CREEK RANGE |
1,889 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,445 |
96 km |
| 2023 |
DOUBLE BACK |
1,275 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
CEDAR RIDGE |
1,051 |
40 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
51°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
58°F (15°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
78°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Penelope has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 46°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and July the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Penelope. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $580 |
| Toddler | $550 |
| Preschool | $537 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $528 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $502 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Penelope
What is the population of Penelope?
Penelope has a population of 223 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 225 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57% female and 43% male.
Is Penelope expensive to live in?
Penelope has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $65,938, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,300 (66% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Penelope safe?
Penelope is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 359 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 215 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Penelope receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Penelope?
Penelope enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Penelope?
The job market in Penelope is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,274. There are 405 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Penelope?
The median home value in Penelope is $96,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,422. The homeownership rate is 95.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,243.
How are the schools in Penelope?
Schools in Penelope have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.8% of adults in Penelope hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.7% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Penelope?
The obesity rate in Penelope is 38.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 31.8% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 20.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,458.
What is transportation like in Penelope?
The average commute in Penelope is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Penelope?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Penelope is 78.5% White. 75.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 24.5% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 17.1% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
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