Palo Alto, PA
Population 985 · Pennsylvania
About Palo Alto, PA
Palo Alto is a small community located in Pennsylvania with a population of 985 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,875 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Palo Alto features a median home value of $84,200, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Palo Alto one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $886, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 476 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (337 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (72 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Palo Alto shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Palo Alto have an average one-way commute time of 27 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.4% of Palo Alto 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 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Palo Alto, PA
Compared to national averages, Palo Alto has a median household income of $56,875 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $84,200, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $886 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Palo Alto's income is 22% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 56% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Palo Alto, PA?
Palo Alto offers affordable housing with a median home value of $84,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $886/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,875) that falls below the national average. However, Palo Alto’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Palo Alto has a population of 985 with a median age of 41.5 years. Compare Palo Alto with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Palo Alto
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Haven | 985 | $54,643 | $141,200 | Compare |
| Harleigh | 986 | $81,797 | $301,100 | Compare |
| Curtisville | 987 | $63,224 | $112,800 | Compare |
| Hummels Wharf | 988 | $67,361 | $186,300 | Compare |
| Rutledge | 982 | $126,000 | $361,400 | Compare |
| Dunbar | 981 | $50,000 | $72,100 | Compare |
| Sykesville | 978 | $37,346 | $85,900 | Compare |
| Laboratory | 993 | $94,145 | $214,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Palo Alto With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Palo Alto
What is the population of Palo Alto, PA?
The population of Palo Alto, PA is 985 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Palo Alto?
The median household income in Palo Alto, PA is $56,875 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Palo Alto?
The median home value in Palo Alto, PA is $84,200, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Palo Alto?
The median monthly rent in Palo Alto, PA is $886, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Palo Alto?
The unemployment rate in Palo Alto, PA is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Palo Alto, PA a good place to live?
Palo Alto offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 985 and a median age of 41.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Palo Alto, PA?
9.4% of residents in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Palo Alto, PA: median home value is $84,200 (66% below national), median rent is $886/month, and median household income is $56,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Palo Alto?
The poverty rate in Palo Alto, PA is 9.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Palo Alto, PA?
Palo Alto's population is 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.