Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palouse, WA
Considering a move to Palouse, WA? This small, welcoming city has a population of just over 1,000 and offers affordable living, with median home prices at $340,000 and rents averaging $940. Residents enjoy short commutes (23 minutes), very low crime rates, and a peaceful rural atmosphere. Palouse's schools are well-rated, and the community benefits from a mild, sunny climate and proximity to both Pullman and Moscow for higher education and healthcare. Explore Palouse for a safe, friendly, and affordable lifestyle in the heart of the Palouse region!
Demographics - Palouse, WA
Demographics - Palouse, WA
Palouse is a close-knit community of just over 1,000 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 42.6, reflecting a mix of families and older adults. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a small but present diversity, with about 4% speaking languages other than English at home. Its residential density offers a friendly, small-town atmosphere ideal for those seeking a quieter pace of life.
Population:
1,085
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.6
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.1%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palouse, WA?
Palouse offers affordable living, with a median home value of $340,000 and average rents around $940 per month, making it an accessible option for both buyers and renters. The overall cost of living index is close to the national average, while housing and utility costs remain comparatively low. Residents also benefit from moderate state taxes and manageable monthly expenses.
Median House Value:
$340,000
Gross Rent:
$940
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,410
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
99.2
Grocery:
101.0
Housing:
88.5
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
97.0
Health Care:
102.3
Miscellaneous:
98.5
Crime
Is Palouse, WA a safe place to live?
Palouse is a safe place to live, with a very low violent crime rate—just 56 incidents per 100,000 people—and a property crime rate that remains well below national urban averages. The odds of experiencing a violent crime are roughly 1 in 1,786, contributing to the community’s peaceful reputation. This low crime environment is attractive for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
56
Property Crimes Per 100k:
820
Crime Index:
876
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,786
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 122
Weather
What is the weather like in Palouse, WA year-round?
Residents of Palouse enjoy a mild, four-season climate, with warm summers reaching into the 80s and winters staying above the low 20s. The area receives about 19 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 60% of the year. This weather supports a range of outdoor activities and contributes to the area’s scenic charm.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Palouse households have a median income of about $61,800, with a low poverty rate of 8.7% and high educational attainment—over 95% of adults have at least a high school diploma. Commutes average 23 minutes, indicating easy access to nearby employment and amenities. The community is friendly, with low unemployment and minimal public transit use due to its small-town layout.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$61,800
Family Income:
$73,200
Per Capita Income:
$32,100
Income Male:
$41,600
Income Female:
$33,400
Poverty Rate:
8.7%
Non English Speakers:
4.3%
Rent:
$940
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.4%
Bachelors or More:
39.2%
Education
How are the schools in Palouse, WA?
Palouse is home to a well-rated public school with a favorable student-teacher ratio, supporting a strong educational environment for younger students. Higher education opportunities abound just a short drive away, with Washington State University and the University of Idaho offering a wide range of programs and resources. This proximity to quality schools and universities makes Palouse an appealing choice for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Palouse School
Street:
600 E Alder St
Phone:
509-878-1921
Students:
250
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Colleges
Name:
Washington State University
City:
Pullman
State:
WA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
19,900
Name:
University of Idaho
City:
Moscow
State:
ID
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
11,300
Healthcare
Palouse residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with major medical facilities like Pullman Regional Hospital located nearby and an above-average ratio of physicians per capita. Over 91% of residents are covered by health insurance, ensuring healthcare is accessible for most. The region’s healthcare index reflects reliable services for families and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Pullman Regional Hospital
Address:
835 SE Bishop Blvd, Pullman, WA 99163
Phone:
(509) 332-2541
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palouse, WA?
The housing market in Palouse is stable, with a median home price of $340,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom around $950. Nearly 70% of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates are low, pointing to a strong demand for housing. Modest appreciation and low foreclosure rates make this an attractive location for long-term investment.
Median Home Price:
$340,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Palouse residents are served by the Washington State Department of Licensing, with the nearest office conveniently located in Pullman. Services include standard licensing, vehicle registration, and driver testing, and can also be accessed online or by phone. This ensures easy management of all motor vehicle needs.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 E Main St, Pullman, WA 99163
Phone:
1-360-902-3900
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.