Median Income
$60,625
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$36,500
87% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
130/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.0%
64% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
38.1%
207% higher than US avg
How Palmer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population114
Median Age52.8 yrs
Density271/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$60,625
Per Capita$46,770
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty38.1%
County GDP$642M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$36,500
Ownership92.3%
Zillow$131,540
Housing Units97
Rent Burden23.1%
Crime
F
Violent130/100K
Property584/100K
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking15.9%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain32.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,239 ft (378 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.0%
High School+70.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute27 min
Broadband78.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Palmer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palmer receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Palmer has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Palmer is $60,625, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. The poverty rate of 38.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palmer is $36,500, 87% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Palmer is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 584 per 100,000, 70% below the national average.
Education
12.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Palmer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches, including 38.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Palmer has a population of 114 with a density of 271 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 52.8 years, 36% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.9% female and 56.1% male. The city is predominantly White (98.2%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.6% of residents, while 13.4% speak Spanish. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.8yrs
Median Age
36% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.6%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.4%
0% below US avg
The median household income in Palmer is $60,625, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,770 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,015, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 38.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 265 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 3.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,625 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,770 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,015 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,570 |
| Gini Index | 0.400 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 38.1% |
| 207% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 265 |
| County GDP | $642M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
The median home value in Palmer is $36,500, 87% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,540, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 97 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $2,850 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $36,500 |
| 87% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $131,540 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.7% |
| Housing Units | 97 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.81% |
In Palmer, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 24.3% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 20.9% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,537. The dentist ratio is 1:1,763. 73.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palmer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,537 |
| Dentists | 1:1,763 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,976 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 68.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,324/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Palmer has a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 584 per 100,000, 70% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 129.8/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 584.0/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Palmer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches. The area receives 38.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,239 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,239 ft (378 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 271/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6301°N, 94.5985°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pocahontas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.8"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
47 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
586 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 431 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
80 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
0 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
40 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Palmer has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.7").
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) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $691 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $454 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $447 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palmer
What is the population of Palmer?
Palmer has a population of 114 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 271 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.9% female and 56.1% male.
Is Palmer expensive to live in?
Palmer is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,625, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $36,500 (87% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Palmer safe?
Palmer is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 584 per 100,000 (below 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.8 inches, with 38.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Palmer?
The job market in Palmer is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,015. There are 265 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 3.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palmer?
The median home value in Palmer is $36,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,540. The homeownership rate is 92.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,850.
How are the schools in Palmer?
Schools in Palmer score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.0% of adults in Palmer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palmer?
The obesity rate in Palmer is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 73.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,537.
What is transportation like in Palmer?
The average commute in Palmer is 27 minutes. 77.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palmer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer is 98.2% White, 1.8% Black or African American. 86.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.4% speak Spanish. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
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