Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palco, KS
Considering a move to Palco, KS? This friendly small town of 226 offers a quiet lifestyle with a median home price of just $65,000 and average rents around $600. Residents enjoy a low cost of living, short 16-minute average commutes, and low crime rates compared to national averages. While the town is small, basic amenities, reliable healthcare, and schools are nearby, with sunny weather and a relaxed pace making Palco a great choice for those seeking affordability and community spirit.
Demographics - Palco, KS
Palco, KS is a close-knit, predominantly White community with just 226 residents and a population density of 1,000 per square mile. The median age is 48.4, reflecting a mature population, and the town has a nearly equal gender balance. A small percentage of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a welcoming and familiar small-town atmosphere.
Population:
226
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.4
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.6%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
4.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palco, KS?
Palco offers an affordable cost of living, with a median house value of $65,000 and average rent around $600 per month. Utility and transportation costs are below the national average, and the overall cost of living index is a modest 78, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious households. State income tax rates range from 3.1% to 5.7%, providing reasonable tax obligations.
Median House Value:
$65,000
Gross Rent:
$600
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$300
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.0
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
45.0
Utilities:
93.0
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Palco, KS a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Palco are low, with just 120 violent crimes and 850 property crimes per 100,000 residents, and a 1 in 833 chance of experiencing violent crime. This makes Palco a safe choice for families and individuals seeking peace of mind. The overall crime index reflects a secure environment compared to larger cities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
850
Crime Index:
970
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 833
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 118
Weather
What is the weather like in Palco, KS year-round?
Residents enjoy a climate with warm summers reaching up to 92°F and cold winters dropping to 18°F. With 66% of days being sunny and an average annual rainfall of 24.5 inches, Palco provides pleasant weather for outdoor activities much of the year. Seasonal changes are distinct, offering a classic Midwest experience.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
24.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
Palco’s neighbors have a median household income of $47,000 and a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, with 89.5% holding at least a high school diploma. The town’s poverty rate is moderate at 10.5%, and residents typically enjoy short commute times of about 16.5 minutes. Public transportation is not commonly used, emphasizing the town’s rural character.
Median Income:
$33,000
Household Income:
$47,000
Family Income:
$58,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,000
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$23,000
Poverty Rate:
10.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$600
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
16.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.5%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Palco, KS?
Palco students attend schools such as Plainville Jr/Sr High School, which maintains a low student-teacher ratio of 10.5 and serves around 230 students. While there are no private schools in town, higher education opportunities are accessible at Fort Hays State University, located just 32 miles away in Hays. The community values education, with nearly 90% completing high school or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
Plainville Jr/Sr High School
Street:
203 SE Cardinal Ave, Plainville, KS 67663
Phone:
785-434-4507
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Colleges
Name:
Fort Hays State University
City:
Hays
State:
KS
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
15,900
Healthcare
Healthcare in Palco is anchored by nearby Rooks County Health Center, offering general and emergency services. With 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% of the population covered by health insurance, essential medical needs are well supported. The area’s healthcare index of 71.0 suggests accessible and reliable care for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Rooks County Health Center
Address:
1210 N Washington St, Plainville, KS 67663
Phone:
(785) 434-4553
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.9%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palco, KS?
Palco’s housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $65,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental options are available, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $600, and the market shows modest appreciation at 3.2% annually. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a stable and accessible housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$65,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$600
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV services for Palco residents are provided by the Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles, located in Topeka. The office offers essential vehicle registration and licensing services, and more information can be accessed on the state's official DMV website. Residents benefit from straightforward access to all standard DMV needs.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles
Address:
300 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone:
785-296-3621
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.