At a Glance
Median Income
$60,625
$46,770 per capita
Home Value
$36,500
Zillow: $134,363
Bachelor's Degree+
12.0%
70.7% high school+
Unemployment
3.6%
38.1% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
34.8%
15.9% smoking rate
How Palmer Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Palmer's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Palmer a Good Place to Live?
B
3.3 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Palmer residents earn a median household income of $60,625 , which is 19% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $46,770. The unemployment rate stands at 3.6% (0% below the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 38.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 265 business establishments, including 12 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Palmer is $36,500 , 87% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $134,363. The cost of living index is 87.8 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1949.
Education
12.0% of adults in Palmer hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(64% below the national average).
70.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.6/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Palmer has an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C).
Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population114
Median Age52.8 yrs
Density271/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Foreign Born1.8%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
C+
Median Income$60,625
Per Capita$46,770
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty38.1%
County GDP$642M
Avg Weekly Wage$1,015
Housing
A+
Home Value$36,500
Rent
Ownership92.3%
Zillow$134,363
Housing Units97
Rent Burden23.1%
Health
Obesity34.8%
Diabetes8.7%
Smoking15.9%
Heart Disease5.3%
Premature Death9,324/100K
Climate
Avg Temp47°F
Rain32.8 in/yr
Elevation1,239 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.0%
High School+70.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.6/10
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute27 min
Broadband76.9%
Internet Speed41 Mbps
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Did You Know?
The median home in Palmer was built in 1949.
The nearest airport is Fort Dodge Regional (21 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.400 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Very Low" by FEMA.
23.7% of the population has a disability.
The county recorded 1 fatal vehicle crashes.