Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palo, MN
Considering a move to Palo, MN? This close-knit rural community of just 180 residents boasts affordable living, with median home prices around $168,000 and average rents at $890. Enjoy peaceful surroundings, low violent crime (98 per 100k), and commute times averaging 27 minutes. The area offers a small-town feel, access to local schools, and cold but sunny winters—perfect for those seeking quiet, affordable living in northern Minnesota.
Demographics - Palo, MN
Palo, MN is a small, tight-knit community of 180 residents with a predominantly White population and a median age of 51, reflecting a mature and stable demographic. The gender ratio is balanced, and just over 3% of residents speak a language other than English at home, underscoring the town’s homogeneity and rural character.
Population:
180
Density:
25 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palo, MN?
Cost of living in Palo is below the national average, with a median house value of $168,000 and typical rents around $890. Utilities and healthcare are slightly above average, but overall affordability makes the area attractive for budget-conscious households.
Median House Value:
$168,000
Gross Rent:
$890
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.3
Grocery:
96.2
Housing:
81.4
Utilities:
104.5
Transportation:
98.6
Health Care:
101.2
Miscellaneous:
94.7
Crime
Is Palo, MN a safe place to live?
Palo experiences very low violent crime, with only 98 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe option for families and retirees. Property crime risk is higher but still moderate, with a 1 in 95 chance, reflecting the area's overall secure and peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
98
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,148
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,020
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Palo, MN year-round?
Residents of Palo enjoy four distinct seasons, with cold winters dipping to lows around -2°F and mild summers reaching up to 78°F. The area receives about 27.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny days 55% of the year, ideal for those who appreciate northern climates.

Winter
Min:
-2°F
Max:
17°F

Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
58°F

Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
30°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
The community is characterized by modest incomes, with a median household income of $54,800 and a poverty rate of 10.8%. Most adults are high school graduates, and the area has a low unemployment rate, fostering a stable and close-knit neighborhood atmosphere.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$54,800
Family Income:
$62,500
Per Capita Income:
$28,600
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$890
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
26.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
20.6%
Education
How are the schools in Palo, MN?
Palo offers access to local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and is within commuting distance—about 19 miles—from Minnesota North College - Mesabi Range. The area supports educational attainment, with most residents completing high school and a notable portion holding college degrees.

Public Schools
Name:
Mesabi East Elementary School
Street:
601 N 1st St W
Phone:
218-229-3321
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Name:
Mesabi East High School
Street:
601 N 1st St W
Phone:
218-229-3321
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Colleges
Name:
Minnesota North College - Mesabi Range
City:
Virginia
State:
MN
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Palo is reliable, with a general hospital nearby and 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 95% of the population has health insurance, ensuring residents can access necessary medical services with ease.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Essentia Health-Northern Pines
Address:
5211 Highway 110, Aurora, MN 55705
Phone:
(218) 229-2221
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.3%
Health Care Index:
73.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palo, MN?
The housing market in Palo is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $168,000 and owner occupancy at over 80%. Home values have appreciated slightly over the past year, and rental options are limited but affordable, contributing to the area's appeal for homeowners.
Median Home Price:
$168,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$890
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Palo residents are served by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services, located in St. Paul, offering comprehensive licensing and registration services both online and in person.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-2126
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.