Median Income
$54,861
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$102,900
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
69/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.2%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$785
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Palmer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population446
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density842/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$54,861
Per Capita$28,888
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$554M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$102,900
Rent$785
Ownership85.6%
Zillow$299,438
Housing Units186
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent69/100K
Property1,714/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking15.6%
Depression19.4%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.3 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,795 ft (547 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.2%
High School+96.8%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score5.15
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute31 min
Broadband95.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
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. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. 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 $54,861, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palmer is $102,900, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $785 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x 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 69 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,714 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
17.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Palmer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.3 inches, including 22.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Palmer has a population of 446 with a density of 842 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (94.4%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.3yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Palmer is $54,861, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,888 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,105, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 275 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,861 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,888 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,105 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,323 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 275 |
| County GDP | $554M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.18% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Palmer is $102,900, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $299,438, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $785 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 186 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. The average annual property tax is $4,300 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $102,900 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $299,438 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $103 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $785 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.4% |
| Housing Units | 186 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.18% |
In Palmer, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 19.4% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,555. The dentist ratio is 1:1,544. 51.2% 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 | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 19.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,555 |
| Dentists | 1:1,544 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,585 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,240/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Palmer has a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,714 per 100,000, 13% 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 | 68.6/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,714.1/100K |
| 13% 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 experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 308 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 27.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 22.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,795 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,795 ft (547 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 842/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2225°N, 98.2598°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Merrick County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.3"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 42.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
22 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 17, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
137 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
105 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
138 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
116 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
110 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
44 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
66 km |
| Mar 17, 2023 |
8 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
117 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
11 km N of Guide Rock, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
116 km |
| Jul 1, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
117 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
116 km |
| Feb 24, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
114 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
9 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
117 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
92 km |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
5 km WNW of Burr Oak, Kansas |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
10 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
116 km |
| Jun 17, 2025 |
15 km SSW of Riverton, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| Mar 17, 2024 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
116 km |
| Sep 3, 2023 |
10 km SSW of Lawrence, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
733 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 33 fatalities, 460 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
75 km |
4 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
34 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
49 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
72 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
74 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,911 ac, 1995).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Palmer has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.5").
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 | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palmer
What is the population of Palmer?
Palmer has a population of 446 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 842 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.3 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% 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 $54,861, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $102,900 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $785 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, 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 69 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,714 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 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.3 inches, with 22.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Palmer?
The job market in Palmer is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,105. There are 275 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palmer?
The median home value in Palmer is $102,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $299,438. For renters, the median monthly rent is $785. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,300.
How are the schools in Palmer?
Schools in Palmer score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.2% of adults in Palmer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palmer?
The obesity rate in Palmer is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 19.4% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 51.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,555.
What is transportation like in Palmer?
The average commute in Palmer is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palmer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer is 94.4% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
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