Median Income
$46,250
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
214/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.7%
27% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$563
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.1%
30% higher than US avg
How Palmer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population138
Median Age35.0 yrs
Density445/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans95.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$46,250
Per Capita$27,019
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty16.1%
County GDP$293M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Rent$563
Ownership62.1%
Zillow$187,179
Housing Units71
Rent Burden11.5%
Crime
F
Violent214/100K
Property2,563/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking17.2%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain32.4 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,334 ft (407 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.7%
High School+88.2%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute16 min
Broadband58.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Is Palmer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palmer receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. 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 $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 16.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $563 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Palmer is below the national average at 214 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,563 per 100,000, 31% above the national average.
Education
24.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Palmer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.4 inches, including 14.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Palmer has a population of 138 with a density of 445 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 35.0 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.8% female and 44.2% male. The city is predominantly White (95.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.3% of residents, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 95.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.0yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.3%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.7%
50% below US avg
The median household income in Palmer is $46,250, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,019 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $757, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 294 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,250 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,019 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $757 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,265 |
| Gini Index | 0.414 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.1% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 294 |
| County GDP | $293M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,780 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $187,179. Monthly rent averages $563 (52% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 71 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $2,780 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 11.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $563 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 11.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.9% |
| Housing Units | 71 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,780 |
| 21% below US avg |
In Palmer, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.9% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,378. The dentist ratio is 1:5,501. 32.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palmer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,378 |
| Dentists | 1:5,501 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,504 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 63.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,165/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Palmer has a violent crime rate of 214 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,563 per 100,000, 31% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Palmer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Palmer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 213.6/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,563.5/100K |
| 31% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Palmer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 79°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 32.4 inches. The area receives 14.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,334 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,334 ft (407 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 445/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6329°N, 97.1404°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Manhattan Regional (MHK)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.4"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
151 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 4, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
132 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
96 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
84 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
89 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
139 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
88 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
107 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
103 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
96 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
109 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
91 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
95 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
86 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
106 km |
| Aug 3, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
109 km |
| Apr 6, 2023 |
6 km N of Bennington, Kansas |
M3.3 |
71 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
650 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 362 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2016 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Oct 6, 2016 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURLEY HILL (16,381 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
BURLEY HILL |
16,381 |
81 km |
| 2010 |
RANGE 51 |
13,760 |
62 km |
| 2009 |
MA-KILO |
8,935 |
51 km |
| 2024 |
AXELTON-BURKLUND |
8,831 |
43 km |
| 2019 |
2019-3238A |
8,632 |
59 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH HILLS |
8,445 |
85 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
7,758 |
49 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,465 |
60 km |
| 2015 |
IMPACT |
7,242 |
59 km |
| 2014 |
MOYER RANCH |
6,641 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
CARLSON |
6,101 |
45 km |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
90 km |
| 2013 |
IMPACT COMPLEX |
5,233 |
62 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
5,159 |
54 km |
| 2012 |
CALFEX COMPLEX |
5,122 |
51 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,425 |
61 km |
| 2014 |
SHANNON CREEK |
3,954 |
49 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,595 |
56 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
91 km |
| 2017 |
KILO |
3,242 |
50 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Palmer has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 26°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January 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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palmer
What is the population of Palmer?
Palmer has a population of 138 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 445 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.8% female and 44.2% male.
Is Palmer expensive to live in?
Palmer is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $563 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Palmer safe?
Palmer is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 214 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,563 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.4 inches, with 14.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Palmer?
The job market in Palmer is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $757. There are 294 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palmer?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $563. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,780.
How are the schools in Palmer?
Schools in Palmer score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.7% of adults in Palmer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palmer?
The obesity rate in Palmer is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 32.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,378.
What is transportation like in Palmer?
The average commute in Palmer is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palmer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer is 95.7% White. 93.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 95.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
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