Small city in Anderson County

Living in Palestine, TX

F

184th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 5 of 100

We give Palestine an F. It ranks 184th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on getting around and cost of living, and trails on health and home ownership.

  • Jobs and income scores low (9 of 100)
  • Schools scores low (14 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Palestine isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthPalestine
Where Palestine is in Texas.
Population
19,555+5.5% since 2020
Median rent
$1,06224% lower than Texas
Median home value
$166,00042% lower than Texas
Household income
$44,981Median
Average commute
21 minOne way
Violent crime
464Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Palestine

Palestine is a small city in Anderson County. 19,555 people lived here in 2025, up 5.5% from 2020. It is spread out.

Local spots people know include Reagan Park, Green Park and Texas State Railroad.

The median age is 35.7, 39% of households have children, 55% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $44,981 a year (43% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Palestine

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,062, 24% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 21 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Palestine

  • Weaker school ratings. Only 18% of the 11 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
  • Errands mean a drive. Compared with similar Texas places, fewer homes here are within a mile of a grocery store, pharmacy, park or clinic.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes and strong wind as very high here.

Who Palestine suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 18% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 20% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 1% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 43% lower than the Texas median, with 119 restaurants and 9 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 22% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 19% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 20% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 1% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 89% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,062 is 24% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 8% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,062 is 24% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 32% for people on a budget.

Palestine report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Palestine with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade C+

    Median rent $1,062, homes cost 3.7x income.

    53 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade D-

    Median household income $44,981, 7.0% unemployed.

    9 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade D-

    11 rated campuses, 18% rated A or B.

    14 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade D

    464 violent crimes per 100k, 1,592 property crimes per 100k.

    18 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade D

    9 grocery stores, 119 restaurants, 14 parks mapped in town.

    20 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade B+

    Average commute 21 min, 5.4% work from home.

    79 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D-

    17% have a bachelor’s degree.

    15 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade F

    19% of adults uninsured.

    5 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade D-

    55% of homes owner-occupied.

    9 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade D+

    89% of homes have broadband.

    26 of 100 vs US cities

Where Palestine stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median rent: $1,06224% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 21 min22% lower than Texas (27 min)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 17%17 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $44,98143% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 55%8 points lower than Texas (63%)

Cost of living in Palestine

Palestine renters pay a median of $1,062 a month, 24% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $42,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 58% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $945 for a one-bedroom, $1,201 for a two-bedroom and $1,431 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $166,000, 42% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $909 before tax, or $1,073 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.

Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Palestine pays $1,977 a year, 53% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

See the full cost of living breakdown for Palestine

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in PalestineStudio$9391 bedroom$9452 bedrooms$1,2013 bedrooms$1,4314 bedrooms$1,750
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Anderson County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent24% lower than Texas$1,062$1,403$1,413
Median home value42% lower than Texas$166,000$283,800$332,700
Home value to incomeAbout the same as Texas3.7x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent6 points higher than Texas58%52%51%
Median property tax per year53% lower than Texas$1,977$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them8 points lower than Texas55%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197619921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,073
Mortgage payment
$909
Property tax
$165
Median rent, for comparison
$1,062

Based on a $166,000 home in Palestine, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Palestine safe?

In 2025, Palestine Police Department reported 92 violent crimes and 316 property crimes. That works out to 464 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 20% higher than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,592 property crimes per 100,000, 24% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 24% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Palestine by yearTexas46420212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
464
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,592
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Palestine by yearTexas1,59220212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Palestine Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Palestine

Palestine has 11 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 18% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Ut Tyler University Academy, Palestine ISD and Westwood ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Ut Tyler University Academy at Palestine. The average rating score across all campuses is 72 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
14
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
72
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • AUt Tyler University Academy at PalestineOther, Ut Tyler University Academy93 of 100
  • BPalestine High SchoolHigh, Palestine ISD87 of 100
  • CWestwood High SchoolHigh, Westwood ISD77 of 100
  • CNorthside PriElementary, Palestine ISD76 of 100
  • CSouthside ElementaryElementary, Palestine ISD76 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Palestine

We grade 4 areas inside Palestine. The top three are Northeast Palestine (C), North Palestine (D+) and Central Palestine (D). Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map
    All 4 Palestine neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Palestine

    Everyday places mapped inside Palestine, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Reagan Park, Green Park, Texas State Railroad.

    The average one-way commute is 21 minutes, 22% shorter than the Texas average. 5% of workers work from home. 3.2% walk, bike or take transit to work.

    The median household income is $44,981, income per person is $28,699, unemployment is 7.0% and 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    9
    Pharmacies
    7
    Restaurants
    119
    Cafes
    9
    Bars
    8
    Parks
    14
    Gyms
    6
    Hospitals and urgent care
    5
    Childcare
    4
    Libraries
    1

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income43% lower than Texas$44,981$78,476$80,734
    Income per person30% lower than Texas$28,699$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate2 points higher than Texas7.0%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line4 points higher than Texas18%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher17 points lower than Texas17%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher2 points higher than Texas88%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insuranceAbout the same as Texas19%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet2 points lower than Texas89%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute22% lower than Texas21 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home9 points lower than Texas5.4%14%15%
    Workers who work from home5.4%
    Workers who take transit2.2%
    Workers who walk0.7%
    Workers who bike0.2%

    Who lives in Palestine

    Under 1825%
    18 to 3424%
    35 to 6436%
    65 and over15%

    Median age 35.7 years. 39% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White46%
    Hispanic or Latino24%
    Black27%
    Asian0.1%
    Other or more than one race3.4%

    Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

    Weather in Palestine

    Palestine has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 94°F and January lows about 35°F. There are about 87 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 47 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Palestine30°50°70°90°59J63F70M77A84M90J94J95A89S80O68N60DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Palestine 2 Ne, 3 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is low, hurricane risk is high, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is moderate. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

    • River floodingLow
    • HurricanesHigh
    • TornadoesVery high
    • HailModerate
    • Heat wavesHigh
    • WildfiresHigh
    • Winter stormsHigh
    • Strong windVery high

    Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

    Places near Palestine

    Nearby, Elkhart gets a D, Grapeland gets a D- and Frankston gets a B. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. DElkhartTown, 1,701 people9 mi
    2. D-GrapelandTown, 1,595 people20 mi
    3. BFrankstonTown, 1,088 people23 mi
    4. ABerryvilleTown, 1,184 people26 mi
    5. DJacksonvilleSmall city, 14,325 people27 mi
    6. C+ShadybrookTown, 2,810 people28 mi

    Living in Palestine: common questions

    Is Palestine, TX a good place to live?

    We give Palestine an F. It ranks 184th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on getting around and cost of living, and trails on health and home ownership.

    How much does it cost to live in Palestine?

    Renters in Palestine pay a median of $1,062 a month, 24% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $166,000, 42% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.7x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $1,073, including property tax.

    Is Palestine safe?

    In 2025, Palestine Police Department reported 464 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 20% higher than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,592 per 100,000, 24% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Palestine?

    We found 11 rated public school campuses inside Palestine. 18% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 14 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Palestine?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Palestine are Northeast Palestine, North Palestine and Central Palestine. We score 4 areas in the city.

    Does Palestine flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Palestine as low, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, wildfires, winter storms and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

    What is the weather like in Palestine?

    Summers in Palestine peak at about 94°F in July, and January nights fall to about 35°F. Expect around 87 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 47 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Palestine?

    The average one-way commute is 21 min, 22% lower than the Texas average. About 5.4% of workers work from home.

    Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.