Median Income
$27,418
64% lower than US avg
Home Value
$52,500
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
49/100K
87% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.5%
87% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
46.6%
276% higher than US avg
How Palmer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,606
Median Age20.4 yrs
Density521/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 54%
Economy
C
Median Income$27,418
Per Capita$9,205
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty46.6%
County GDP$10,768M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$52,500
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$314,419
Crime
F
Violent49/100K
Property1,579/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault49/100K
Burglary691/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain40.8 in/yr
Elevation462 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.5%
High School+50.8%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute23 min
Libraries5
Is Palmer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Palmer receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Palmer has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Palmer is $27,418, 64% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 46.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Palmer is $52,500, 81% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. 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 49 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,579 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
4.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 50.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Palmer enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Palmer has a population of 1,606 with a density of 521 people per square mile. The median age is 20.4 years, 48% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (53.9%).
Population
20.4yrs
Median Age
48% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 74.7% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Spanish | 25.3% |
| 89% above US avg |
The median household income in Palmer is $27,418, which is 64% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 46.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $27,418 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $9,205 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,114 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,086 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 46.6% |
| 276% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,919 |
| County GDP | $10,768M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 344 |
| Healthcare | 342 |
| Retail | 451 |
| Manufacturing | 181 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,596 |
| 117% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 14.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.4 min |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Palmer is $52,500, 81% below the national average. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $314,419.
Home Values
| Census Median | $52,500 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $314,419 |
| Median List Price | $290,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $290,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $183 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.4% |
| Price Drops | 23.1% |
| Inventory | 13 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,596 |
| 117% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 14.47% |
In Palmer, 38.0% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.9% report depression. 30.3% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Palmer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.4% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 14.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.3% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 70.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,453/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 342 |
Palmer has a violent crime rate of 49 per 100,000 residents, 87% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,579 per 100,000 (19% below US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Palmer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 49.4/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 49.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,579.5/100K |
| 19% below US avg |
| Burglary | 691.0/100K |
| Theft | 839.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 49.4/100K |
| Arson | 49.4/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 28 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Palmer has an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation is 40.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 65.2°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 40.8 inches |
| 7% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 462 ft (141 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (8.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 521/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.4251°N, 96.6671°W |
| County FIPS | 48139 |