Palo Seco, Toa Baja Municipality, PR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,892
-1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$34,563/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
934
3.4% year-over-year change

Palo Seco population

How many people live in Palo Seco

Palo Seco is home to 1,892 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.9% of Palo Seco locals are male, and 54.1% are female.

Total population
1,892
-1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.9%
868
Female
54.1%
1,024
Value Percent YoY change
Male 868 45.9% -0.7%
Female 1,024 54.1% -1.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Palo Seco is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 13% are children under 15, then 12.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.2% of the population, while another 25.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
13%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 44
27.2%
45 to 64
25.3%
Over 65
22.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 245 13% -6.5%
15 to 24 232 12.3% -4.1%
25 to 44 515 27.2% -1.3%
45 to 64 478 25.3% 0.6%
Over 65 421 22.3% 1.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Households in Palo Seco

A peek inside Palo Seco households

Palo Seco has 775 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64% are families, while the remaining 36.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
775
3.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
280
Family households
496
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 280 36.1% 9.8%
Family households 496 64% 0.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Palo Seco

The housing landscape of Palo Seco

Palo Seco's housing consists of 934 units, with 67.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
934
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 634 67.9%
1 unit, attached 71 7.6%
2 units 114 12.2%
3 or 4 units 49 5.2%
5 to 9 units 41 4.4%
10 to 19 units 5 0.5%
20 to 49 units 6 0.6%
50 or more units 13 1.4%
Mobile home 1 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
1
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Palo Seco

In Palo Seco, the median construction year is 1977. About 0.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6 0.6% 0.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 10 1.1% -28.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 32 3.4% -3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 230 24.6% 5.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 258 27.6% -2.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 154 16.5% 0.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 106 11.4% 10.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 110 11.8% 10.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 26 2.8% 44.4%
Built in 2020 or later 1 0.1% 0.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Palo Seco occupancy rates

Out of the 775 occupied housing units in Palo Seco, 71% are owner-occupied, while 29% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
775
3.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
225
Owner occupied
550
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 225 29% 9.2%
Owner occupied 550 71% 1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
17.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Palo Seco housing costs

Housing costs in Palo Seco come to a median of $586 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $721.

Median housing costs per month
$586/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Palo Seco
$721/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Palo Seco

Palo Seco education at a glance

About 32% of the population in Palo Seco went to high school, while 18.9% pursued college studies. Another 13.4% earned an associate degree and 21.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 119 7.5% -7.0%
High school diploma 506 32% 1.6%
College diploma 299 18.9% -2.3%
Associate degree 211 13.4% -2.3%
Bachelor's degree 334 21.1% 1.5%
Graduate degree 111 7% 1.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Palo Seco

How much people earn in Palo Seco

The average annual household income in Palo Seco was $42,408 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $34,563, reflecting a +3.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Palo Seco
$42,408/year
5.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Palo Seco
$34,563/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Palo Seco income by age

In Palo Seco, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $39,032. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $40,765 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $25,000, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $26,516 in earnings.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $25,000 -3.3%
25 - 44 $39,032 7.9%
45 - 64 $40,765 4.8%
Over 65 $26,516 2.4%

Employment in Palo Seco

Workforce and job types in Palo Seco

80.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.7% run their own businesses, 67.6% are employed by private companies, and 15.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
666
Blue collar
159
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 666 80.7% 2.8%
Blue collar 159 19.3% 3.2%
Employer type
Self employees
12.7%
Private companies
67.6%
Governmental workers
15.8%
Not for profit companies
3.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 105 12.7% 14.1%
Private companies 558 67.6% 0.7%
Governmental workers 130 15.8% 2.4%
Not for profit companies 32 3.9% 6.7%

Transportation in Palo Seco

How people get around in Palo Seco

In Palo Seco, the average commute time is 1 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
1 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 645 97.9% -0.3%
Taxicab 1 0.2% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0.2% -50.0%
Railroad 1 0.2% N/A
Motorcycle 3 0.5% 50.0%
Walk 8 1.2% 14.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Palo Seco by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
00949 65,867 26,989 $34,563 $46,089

Explore more communities

FAQs about Palo Seco demographics 

What is the total population of Palo Seco?

Palo Seco has a total population of 1,892 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Palo Seco?

The gender ratio in Palo Seco is as follows:
  • 45.9% males (868 residents)
  • 54.1% females (1,024 residents)

What is the median age in Palo Seco?

The median age in Palo Seco is 43.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Palo Seco?

The age distribution in Palo Seco is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13% (245 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.3% (232 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.2% (515 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.3% (478 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.3% (421 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Palo Seco?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Palo Seco is as follows:
  • White: 12.3% (233 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.2% (80 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (9 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (1 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 27.8% (526 residents)
  • Other: 55.1% (1,043 residents)

What percentage of the population in Palo Seco are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 0% of the population in Palo Seco.

How many housing units are there in Palo Seco?

There are 934 housing units in Palo Seco, reflecting a +3.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Palo Seco and what is the average household size?

Palo Seco has a total of 775 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Palo Seco?

Palo Seco has a median household income of $34,563, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Palo Seco?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.7% (666 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.3% (159 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.7% (105 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.6% (558 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.8% (130 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.9% (32 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025