Median Income
$52,917
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$80,400
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.2%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$744
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Palmer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population233
Median Age50.2 yrs
Density233/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans2.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$52,917
Per Capita$27,261
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$1,970M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$80,400
Rent$744
Ownership89.9%
Zillow$124,169
Housing Units111
Rent Burden19.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property751/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking14.3%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.1 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation618 ft (188 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.2%
High School+90.4%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.28
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute24 min
Broadband99.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Palmer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palmer receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. 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 $52,917, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palmer is $80,400, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $744 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x 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 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 751 per 100,000, 62% below the national average.
Education
6.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Palmer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.1 inches, including 16.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Palmer has a population of 233 with a density of 233 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 50.2 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.2% female and 46.8% male. The city is predominantly White (99.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 2.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.2yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Palmer is $52,917, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,261 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $982, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 706 business establishments, including 80 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,917 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,261 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $982 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,828 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 706 |
| County GDP | $1,970M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 80 |
| Healthcare | 58 |
| Retail | 114 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,100 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Palmer is $80,400, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $124,169, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $744 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 111 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1940. The average annual property tax is $4,100 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $80,400 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $124,169 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $744 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.1% |
| Housing Units | 111 |
| Median Year Built | 1940 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,100 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.10% |
In Palmer, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,589. The dentist ratio is 1:4,179. 65.9% 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 | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,589 |
| Dentists | 1:4,179 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,278 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 64.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,451/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 58 |
Palmer has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 751 per 100,000, 62% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Palmer receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Palmer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 751.4/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Palmer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 302 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 38.1 inches. The area receives 16.2 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 618 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.6°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 618 ft (188 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 233/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.4587°N, 89.4079°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Christian County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.1"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 54.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
71 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
94 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
129 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
57 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
69 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
118 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
78 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
99 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Sep 14, 2011 |
8 km NW of Mount Erie, Illinois |
M2.7 |
138 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
130 km |
| May 17, 2022 |
6 km NNW of Mount Vernon, Illinois |
M2.5 |
128 km |
| Jan 15, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.5 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
668 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 585 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
41 km |
2 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
96 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
65 km |
6 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1976 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Palmer has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 28°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.9").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $673 |
| Toddler | $686 |
| Preschool | $613 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $762 |
| Toddler | $711 |
| Preschool | $636 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palmer
What is the population of Palmer?
Palmer has a population of 233 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 233 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.2% female and 46.8% male.
Is Palmer expensive to live in?
Palmer has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $52,917, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $80,400 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $744 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, 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 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 751 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Palmer receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Palmer?
Palmer has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.1 inches, with 16.2 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 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $982. There are 706 business establishments in the area, including 80 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palmer?
The median home value in Palmer is $80,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $124,169. For renters, the median monthly rent is $744. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,100.
How are the schools in Palmer?
Schools in Palmer score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.2% of adults in Palmer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palmer?
The obesity rate in Palmer is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,589.
What is transportation like in Palmer?
The average commute in Palmer is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 93.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palmer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer is 99.6% White. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 2.6% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
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