Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palatka, FL
Considering a move to Palatka, FL? This small community of about 10,500 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $143,000 and average rents under $950. Enjoy a warm, sunny climate with 65% sunny days, and a short 22-minute average commute. While crime rates are higher than average and incomes are modest, residents benefit from low housing costs, local healthcare options, and easy access to both public and private schools. Discover Palatka’s relaxed lifestyle, friendly neighborhoods, and proximity to nature and major colleges.
Demographics - Palatka, FL
Demographics - Palatka, FL
Palatka, Florida is a small city of around 10,500 residents, featuring a diverse community with nearly equal proportions of White and Black residents and a median age of 39.7 years. The population density is moderate, and about 8% of people speak a language other than English at home, creating a community with both local roots and some cultural variety.
Population:
10,485
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.7
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
49.2%
Black:
44.4%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
5.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palatka, FL?
Palatka offers a very affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $143,000 and average rents under $950 per month. The cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Florida's lack of a state income tax further enhances affordability for residents.
Median House Value:
$143,000
Gross Rent:
$945
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,095
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
80.6
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
48.1
Utilities:
97.9
Transportation:
87.5
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Palatka, FL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Palatka are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 148 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 24 chance of property crime. Residents should be mindful of safety and consider local crime prevention initiatives when choosing neighborhoods. Despite these figures, the city continues to work on community safety and improvement.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
677
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,251
Crime Index:
4,928
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 148
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 24
Weather
What is the weather like in Palatka, FL year-round?
Palatka enjoys a warm and sunny climate, with average winter lows around 45°F and summer highs reaching up to 92°F. The area receives about 51 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 65% sunny days, making it ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Spring
Min:
55°F
Max:
83°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
57°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Palatka are characterized by modest incomes, with a median household income of $34,900 and a higher-than-average poverty rate at 28.6%. Most residents have completed high school, and commute times are short, averaging just over 22 minutes. Public transportation use is very low, reflecting the city’s small-town atmosphere.
Median Income:
$23,800
Household Income:
$34,900
Family Income:
$41,700
Per Capita Income:
$19,900
Income Male:
$28,100
Income Female:
$22,200
Poverty Rate:
28.6%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$945
Unemployment Rate:
7.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.1%
Bachelors or More:
11.2%
Education
How are the schools in Palatka, FL?
Education options in Palatka include both public and private schools, with Palatka High School and several smaller institutions serving local students. The community is also home to St. Johns River State College, offering higher education opportunities right in the city, while the University of Florida is just 40 miles away. These resources make Palatka an accessible place for families and students seeking a range of educational paths.
Public Schools
Name:
Palatka High School
Street:
302 Mellon Rd
Phone:
386-329-0577
Students:
1,020
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.3
Name:
Mellon Learning Center
Street:
301 Mellon Rd
Phone:
386-329-0545
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Private Schools
Name:
St. Johns Christian School
Street:
311 SR 19 N
Phone:
386-328-3882
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
St. Johns River State College
City:
Palatka
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,800
Name:
University of Florida
City:
Gainesville
State:
FL
Distance:
40 miles
Students:
56,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Palatka is anchored by Putnam Community Medical Center, offering general and emergency services to residents. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people and 84.5% health insurance coverage, essential medical needs are accessible locally. The healthcare index suggests services are adequate, though options may be more limited compared to larger cities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Putnam Community Medical Center
Address:
611 Zeagler Dr, Palatka, FL 32177
Phone:
(386) 328-5711
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.5%
Health Care Index:
67.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palatka, FL?
Palatka's housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $143,000 and a 6.2% appreciation rate over the past year. Around half the homes are owner-occupied, and rental vacancy rates are relatively high, providing a range of options for buyers and renters. The area experiences a low foreclosure rate and moderate new construction.
Median Home Price:
$143,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$945
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Palatka residents are served by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Reid Street. This local DMV office provides essential services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers. More information and online services are available through the state DMV website.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
1301 Reid St, Palatka, FL 32177
Phone:
(386) 329-0260
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.