Median Income
$64,000
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$74,700
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
86/100K
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.8%
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Palmer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population342
Median Age39.0 yrs
Density580/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans10.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,000
Per Capita$29,352
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,597M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$74,700
Ownership91.5%
Zillow$218,521
Housing Units157
Rent Burden32.4%
Crime
F
Violent86/100K
Property1,686/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured6.0%
Smoking14.5%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain30.3 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,325 ft (404 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.8%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 54%
Commute30 min
Broadband88.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
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, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $64,000, 15% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palmer is $74,700, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x 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 86 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,686 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Palmer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Palmer has a population of 342 with a density of 580 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 39.0 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (93.6%), with 5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 10.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.0yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Palmer is $64,000, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,352 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,051, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,762 business establishments, including 184 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,000 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,352 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,051 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,951 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,762 |
| County GDP | $3,597M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 184 |
| Healthcare | 217 |
| Retail | 260 |
| Manufacturing | 48 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,514 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
The median home value in Palmer is $74,700, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,521, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 101.1% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 157 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,514 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $74,700 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $218,521 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $124 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.1% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.5% |
| Housing Units | 157 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,514 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.38% |
In Palmer, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 20.2% report binge drinking. 20.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:870. The dentist ratio is 1:1,111. 84.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palmer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.3% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.0% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:870 |
| Dentists | 1:1,111 |
| Mental Health | 1:198 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.5% |
| Dental Visits | 67.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,011/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 217 |
Palmer has a violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 residents, 77% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,686 per 100,000, 14% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 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 | 86.5/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,686.1/100K |
| 14% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| 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 40°F (4°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,325 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
65°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 39.8°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,325 ft (404 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 580/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4436°N, 87.5817°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Marquette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marquette/Sawyer Regional (MQT)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.3"
20% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 7, 2024.
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
50 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 20 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 11, 1987 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1986 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1992 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1972 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1968 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1964 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1959 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 2020 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2016 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF1 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2012 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 2000 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1998 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1987 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MARQUETTE9 (4,224 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
MARQUETTE9 |
4,224 |
32 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE11 |
3,983 |
23 km |
| 1987 |
EIGHT MILE |
3,475 |
99 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE13 |
2,491 |
28 km |
| 2007 |
BARAGA BUMP |
1,047 |
80 km |
| 2009 |
FALLS |
820 |
15 km |
| 2009 |
PINERY |
695 |
72 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE10 |
671 |
16 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
81 km |
| 2019 |
DUTCH MILL |
551 |
66 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE9 |
521 |
27 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-9°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
38°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
51°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
60°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
65°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Palmer has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 14°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.4").
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) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $618 |
| Toddler | $627 |
| Preschool | $627 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $860 |
| Toddler | $806 |
| Preschool | $806 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palmer
What is the population of Palmer?
Palmer has a population of 342 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 580 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.0 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 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $64,000, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $74,700 (74% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, 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 86 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,686 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Palmer?
Palmer has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,051. There are 1,762 business establishments in the area, including 184 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palmer?
The median home value in Palmer is $74,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,521. The homeownership rate is 91.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,514.
How are the schools in Palmer?
Schools in Palmer score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.8% of adults in Palmer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palmer?
The obesity rate in Palmer is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 20.3% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 6.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 84.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:870.
What is transportation like in Palmer?
The average commute in Palmer is 30 minutes. 70.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palmer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer is 93.6% White, 5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 10.8% of the population are military veterans. 28.0% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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