Palermo, CA
Population 5,440 · California
About Palermo, CA
Palermo is a small town located in California with a population of 5,440 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,893 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Palermo features a median home value of $287,000, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Palermo in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,067, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,330 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (1,355 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (712 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Palermo shows an unemployment rate of 12.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Palermo have an average one-way commute time of 27 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.3% of Palermo residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 20.9% White, 8.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 9.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Palermo, CA
Compared to national averages, Palermo has a median household income of $47,893 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $287,000, which is 17% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,067 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Palermo's income is 51% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 56% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Palermo, CA?
Palermo offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,067/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,893) that falls below the national average. However, Palermo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Palermo has a population of 5,440 with a median age of 43 years. Compare Palermo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Palermo
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Fig Garden | 5,387 | $100,833 | $460,800 | Compare |
| Strawberry CDP (Marin County), California | 5,496 | $144,130 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| St. Helena | 5,378 | $158,218 | $1,964,300 | Compare |
| Boulder Creek | 5,353 | $106,842 | $785,200 | Compare |
| La Habra Heights | 5,546 | $186,837 | $1,114,100 | Compare |
| Keyes | 5,330 | $59,338 | $335,500 | Compare |
| Burbank | 5,552 | $152,559 | $1,113,400 | Compare |
| McSwain | 5,556 | $140,173 | $639,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Palermo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Palermo
What is the population of Palermo, CA?
The population of Palermo, CA is 5,440 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Palermo?
The median household income in Palermo, CA is $47,893 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Palermo?
The median home value in Palermo, CA is $287,000, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Palermo?
The median monthly rent in Palermo, CA is $1,067, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Palermo?
The unemployment rate in Palermo, CA is 12.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Palermo, CA a good place to live?
Palermo offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,440 and a median age of 43, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Palermo, CA?
12.3% of residents in Palermo aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Palermo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Palermo, CA: median home value is $287,000 (17% above national), median rent is $1,067/month, and median household income is $47,893. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Palermo?
The poverty rate in Palermo, CA is 21.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Palermo, CA?
Palermo's population is 20.9% White, 8.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 4.2% two or more races. 9.1% of residents are foreign-born.