Median Income
$41,250
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,500
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.6%
92% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$573
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.3%
88% higher than US avg
How Palmer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population734
Median Age44.2 yrs
Density149/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$41,250
Per Capita$15,535
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty23.3%
County GDP$344M
Commute39 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,500
Rent$573
Ownership85.9%
Zillow$138,312
Housing Units337
Rent Burden9.0%
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured20.4%
Smoking26.3%
Depression33.6%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
Rain63.7 in/yr
Elevation1,846 ft (563 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.6%
High School+71.3%
Graduate+0.5%
School Score4.25
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute39 min
Broadband82.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Palmer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palmer receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, 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 $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 23.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palmer is $86,500, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $573 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
2.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Palmer enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 63.7 inches.
Palmer has a population of 734 with a density of 149 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age is 44.2 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (92.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 33.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 79.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
734
Total Population
2023 Census
44.2yrs
Median Age
14% above 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 $41,250, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,535 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $758, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 23.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 246 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,250 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,535 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $758 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,656 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.3% |
| 88% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 246 |
| County GDP | $344M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,522 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 39.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.9% |
The median home value in Palmer is $86,500, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,312, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $573 (51% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 337 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $2,522 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,500 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $138,312 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $573 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.1% |
| Housing Units | 337 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,522 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.92% |
In Palmer, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 39.1% have high blood pressure. 26.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.6% report binge drinking. 32.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 33.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.3% experience frequent mental distress. 20.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 37.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Palmer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.1% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 11.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.3% |
| 88% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.0% |
| Depression | 33.6% |
| Mental Distress | 24.3% |
| Physical Distress | 18.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 79.6% |
| Uninsured | 20.4% |
| 137% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:1,744 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 50.7% |
| Premature Death | 16,198/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Palmer enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 63.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,846 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (5°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 60.2°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,846 ft (563 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 149/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3576°N, 85.5656°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grundy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tullahoma Regional/Wm Northern Field (THA)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
63.7"
68% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
6.82"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 18.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
143 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 10, 2025.
| Apr 29, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M4.6 |
96 km |
| May 10, 2025 |
21 km SE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M4.1 |
145 km |
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
94 km |
| Jul 5, 1995 |
12 km ESE of Tellico Plains, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| Jun 17, 1998 |
9 km SSE of Coalfield, Tennessee |
M3.6 |
125 km |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
12 km E of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.5 |
82 km |
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
52 km |
| Mar 18, 1995 |
10 km SE of Dayton, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
57 km |
| Aug 31, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Friendsville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
139 km |
| Apr 11, 2006 |
5 km NE of Etowah, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
98 km |
| Apr 20, 2010 |
4 km SW of Maryville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| Apr 5, 1994 |
10 km N of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
44 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
135 km |
| May 10, 2006 |
3 km WNW of Madisonville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
108 km |
| Mar 21, 2001 |
7 km ESE of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
58 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
6 km NW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
68 km |
| Aug 1, 2009 |
8 km ENE of Ducktown, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
120 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
5 km WNW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
68 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
7 km SSE of Sewanee, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
38 km |
| Jan 15, 1993 |
1 km N of Apison, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
61 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
462 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 145 fatalities, 1,735 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2020 |
EF4 |
91 km |
19 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
13 km |
4 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
90 km |
14 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
64 km |
20 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jan 24, 1997 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
75 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
94 km |
11 |
| May 2, 1953 |
EF4 |
73 km |
4 |
| Feb 29, 1952 |
EF4 |
95 km |
2 |
| Feb 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
69 km |
3 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
54 km |
2 |
| Nov 30, 2016 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| Nov 30, 2016 |
EF3 |
77 km |
4 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2003 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,675 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,675 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
RX - O63 CHESTNUT MTN |
4,570 |
97 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
4,213 |
10 km |
| 2021 |
DUTCH CREEK |
3,845 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,539 |
91 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,908 |
94 km |
| 1987 |
STATEC0045 |
2,669 |
99 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
2,638 |
16 km |
| 2024 |
RX - O33 ROCK CREEK_SEED ORCHARD |
2,445 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
RUFF CREEK |
2,281 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,199 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,866 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
BRIDGE CREEK ROAD |
1,777 |
13 km |
| 2016 |
BENCH BLUFF |
1,715 |
39 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,691 |
7 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,669 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
1,635 |
65 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
1,530 |
94 km |
| 2023 |
HOG BACK |
1,491 |
100 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,491 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (5°C) |
5.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
6.0 in |
|
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
5.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Driest |
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
6.8 in |
Wettest |
Palmer has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 40°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 63.7 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.8") and October the driest (3.9").
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) |
$230 ($138-$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184-$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92-$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735-$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69-$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138-$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46-$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138-$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18-$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368-$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92-$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55-$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46-$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138-$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676-$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368-$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055-$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460-$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595-$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838-$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735-$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184-$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919-$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69-$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46-$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76-$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30-$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30-$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76-$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68-$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55-$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74-$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28-$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37-$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37-$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28-$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46-$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69-$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103-$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28-$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28-$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551-$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460-$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184-$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23-$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368-$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595-$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28-$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46-$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28-$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18-$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138-$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92-$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $567 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $393 |
| Toddler | $422 |
| Preschool | $422 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palmer
What is the population of Palmer?
Palmer has a population of 734 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 149 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is Palmer expensive to live in?
Palmer is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,500 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $573 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Palmer?
Palmer enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 63.7 inches, with 3.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Palmer?
Palmer has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $758. There are 246 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 39 minutes, and 0.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Palmer?
The median home value in Palmer is $86,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,312. For renters, the median monthly rent is $573. Fair market rent is $924 for a 1-bedroom and $1,118 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,522.
How are the schools in Palmer?
Schools in Palmer have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 2.6% of adults in Palmer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.3% have completed high school. 0.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Palmer?
The obesity rate in Palmer is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.3% of adults are smokers. 32.0% are physically inactive. 33.6% of residents report depression. 20.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 37.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Palmer?
The average commute in Palmer is 39 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Palmer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer is 92.6% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 33.0% of residents have a disability. 79.6% have health insurance coverage.