Median Income
$70,550
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$275,900
2% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
280/100K
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.8%
29% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,134
2% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.0%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.9%
36% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Palmer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,141
Median Age32.9 yrs
Density1,211/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 72%
Veterans11.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$70,550
Per Capita$34,916
Unemployment4.9%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$32,113M
Commute26 min
Housing
A
Home Value$275,900
Rent$1,134
Ownership62.4%
Zillow$420,936
Housing Units2,423
Rent Burden31.2%
Crime
F
Violent280/100K
Property2,724/100K
Murder13.4/100K
Assault214/100K
Burglary254/100K
Health
Obesity37.0%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking16.5%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp37°F (3°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain12.6 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation236 ft (72 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.8%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 56%
Commute26 min
Broadband90.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Palmer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palmer receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Palmer offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Palmer is $70,550, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.9%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palmer is $275,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,134 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Palmer is below the national average at 280 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,724 per 100,000, 39% above the national average.
Education
23.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Palmer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Palmer has a population of 6,141 with a density of 1,211 people per square mile, spread across 5.1 square miles. The median age is 32.9 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (72.2%), with 15.8% Hispanic, 2.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.3% of residents, while 5.7% speak Spanish. 11.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.9yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.3%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.7%
57% below US avg
The median household income in Palmer is $70,550, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,916 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,436. The unemployment rate is 4.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,829 business establishments, including 785 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 6.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,550 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,916 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,436 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $94,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.9% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,829 |
| County GDP | $32,113M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 785 |
| Healthcare | 1,392 |
| Retail | 819 |
| Manufacturing | 180 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 6.2% |
The median home value in Palmer is $275,900, 2% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $420,936, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,134 (2% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,423 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $8,419 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $275,900 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $420,936 |
| Median List Price | $389,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $389,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $285 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,134 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,061 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,194 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,467 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,304 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.6% |
| Housing Units | 2,423 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.05% |
In Palmer, 37.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 16.4% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:860. The dentist ratio is 1:750. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palmer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.0% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:860 |
| Dentists | 1:750 |
| Mental Health | 1:128 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,853/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,392 |
Palmer has a violent crime rate of 280 per 100,000 residents, 26% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 213.6 per 100,000, robbery at 40.1, rape at 13.4. The murder rate is 13.4 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,724 per 100,000, 39% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,109, burglary at 254, vehicle theft at 360 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Palmer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Palmer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 280.4/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| Murder | 13.4/100K |
| 112% above US avg |
| Rape | 13.4/100K |
| Robbery | 40.1/100K |
| Assault | 213.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,723.6/100K |
| 39% above US avg |
| Burglary | 253.7/100K |
| Theft | 2,109.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 360.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Palmer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. The area gets 274 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 12.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 236 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
59°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 37.1°F |
| 31% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 59°F (15°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 236 ft (72 m) |
| Area | 5.1 sq mi (13.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,211/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 61.5972°N, 149.1147°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Anchorage Municipality County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.6"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
2.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.36 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7,307 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.1. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 30, 2025.
| May 31, 2021 |
73 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska |
M6.1 |
105 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
97 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
85 km |
| Jun 22, 2009 |
36 km E of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
92 km |
| Jul 4, 1996 |
33 km ESE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
94 km |
| Dec 2, 1992 |
29 km WNW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
100 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
134 km |
| Sep 25, 2010 |
54 km NE of Chase, Alaska |
M5.4 |
141 km |
| Mar 8, 2000 |
33 km N of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
141 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
53 km |
| May 6, 1997 |
8 km NW of Knik-Fairview, Alaska |
M5.3 |
32 km |
| Jul 28, 2011 |
8 km NE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.3 |
125 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
53 km |
| Jul 22, 1999 |
13 km ESE of Eagle River, Alaska |
M5.3 |
36 km |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
14 km WNW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.2 |
67 km |
| Dec 7, 1991 |
19 km E of Point Possession, Alaska |
M5.2 |
97 km |
| Sep 17, 2019 |
28 km NW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.2 |
95 km |
| Feb 6, 2022 |
72 km S of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.2 |
130 km |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
15 km NE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.1 |
101 km |
| Jun 16, 2011 |
14 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.1 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
1 tornado (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2024 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 51.8 m (170 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1964 |
PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
51.8 m |
139 |
122 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Spurr (170 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
170 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SU RIVER (7,050 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
SU RIVER |
7,050 |
70 km |
| 2015 |
SOCKEYE |
6,538 |
57 km |
| 2019 |
MCKINLEY |
3,436 |
65 km |
| 2010 |
EKLUTNA |
1,941 |
31 km |
| 2019 |
DESHKA LANDING |
1,285 |
57 km |
| 2002 |
THURSDAY CREEK |
1,046 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
37°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| May |
47°F (8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| July |
59°F (15°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
56°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
47°F (9°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
34°F (1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
20°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Palmer has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 15°F in January to 59°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (2.9") and April the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Palmer. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$256 ($154–$410) |
| Specialist Visit |
$358 ($205–$563) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$205 ($102–$358) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,253 ($819–$5,120) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$133 ($77–$205) |
| Dental Filling |
$256 ($154–$410) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($51–$123) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$614 ($410–$1,024) |
| Battery Replacement |
$205 ($102–$358) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$102 ($61–$154) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$92 ($51–$143) |
| HVAC Repair |
$410 ($154–$819) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,168 ($4,096–$12,288) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,024 ($410–$2,048) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,216 ($5,632–$15,360) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,536 ($512–$3,584) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,360 ($5,120–$30,720) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,120 ($2,048–$10,240) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,536 ($819–$3,072) |
| Will Preparation |
$512 ($205–$1,024) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,560 ($1,024–$5,120) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($31–$102) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$154 ($77–$256) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($51–$133) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.20 ($3.07–$5.63) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.58 ($2.56–$5.12) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.89 ($2.56–$5.63) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.61 ($3.07–$6.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.63 ($4.10–$7.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.02 ($0.61–$1.84) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$143 ($82–$256) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$154) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$123) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$102) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$102) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$87 ($51–$154) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$205 ($77–$512) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,048 ($1,229–$3,584) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$133) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.19–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$102 ($31–$256) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,229 ($614–$2,560) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,024 ($512–$2,048) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$410 ($205–$717) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($26–$102) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,024 ($410–$2,560) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,800 ($5,120–$30,720) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$102 ($51–$205) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$205 ($102–$410) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,567 |
| Toddler | $1,460 |
| Preschool | $1,255 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,124 |
| Toddler | $1,013 |
| Preschool | $992 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palmer
What is the population of Palmer?
Palmer has a population of 6,141 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 1,211 people per square mile, spread across 5.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Palmer expensive to live in?
Palmer has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $70,550, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $275,900 (2% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,134 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Palmer safe?
Palmer is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 280 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,724 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Palmer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Palmer?
Palmer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 59°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Palmer?
Palmer has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,436. There are 8,829 business establishments in the area, including 785 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 6.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palmer?
The median home value in Palmer is $275,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $420,936. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,134. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.4%. The average annual property tax is $8,419.
How are the schools in Palmer?
Schools in Palmer have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 23.8% of adults in Palmer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palmer?
The obesity rate in Palmer is 37.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:860.
What is transportation like in Palmer?
The average commute in Palmer is 26 minutes. 76.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palmer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer is 72.2% White, 2.7% Black or African American, 15.8% Hispanic or Latino. 94.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.7% speak Spanish. 11.2% of the population are military veterans. 17.7% of residents have a disability. 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
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