Palmer, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
134
17.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,063/yr
-2.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
103
-2.8% year-over-year change

Palmer population

How many people live in Palmer

Palmer is home to 134 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of Palmer locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
134
17.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
67
Female
50%
67
Value Percent YoY change
Male 67 50% 4.7%
Female 67 50% 34.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Palmer is 53, with the population distributed as follows: about 4.5% are children under 15, then 15.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.9% of the population, while another 29.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 32.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
52.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
4.5%
15 to 24
15.7%
25 to 44
17.9%
45 to 64
29.1%
Over 65
32.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6 4.5% 0.0%
15 to 24 21 15.7% 31.2%
25 to 44 24 17.9% 50.0%
45 to 64 39 29.1% -7.1%
Over 65 44 32.8% 29.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 134 100% 19.6%
Racial breakdown
White
97%
Black or African American
3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 130 97%
Black or African American 4 3%

Households in Palmer

A peek inside Palmer households

Palmer has 79 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 41.8% are families, while the remaining 58.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
79
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
46
Family households
33
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 46 58.2% -19.3%
Family households 33 41.8% 57.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Palmer

The housing landscape of Palmer

Palmer's housing consists of 103 units, with 93.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
103
-2.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 96 93.2%
5 to 9 units 7 6.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Palmer

In Palmer, the median construction year is 1941. About 47.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 19.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 49 47.6% 0.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 20 19.4% 150.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 13 12.6% -48.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 12 11.6% -14.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5 4.8% -44.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2 1.9% 100.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2 1.9% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Palmer occupancy rates

Out of the 79 occupied housing units in Palmer, 88.6% are owner-occupied, while 11.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 23.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
79
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
9
Owner occupied
70
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 9 11.4% 50.0%
Owner occupied 70 88.6% -2.8%
Unoccupied housing units
23.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Palmer housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$663/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.

Education in Palmer

Palmer education at a glance

About 55% of the population in Palmer went to high school, while 35% pursued college studies. Another 3.3% earned an associate degree and 5.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 0.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 66 55% 0.0%
College diploma 42 35% 90.9%
Associate degree 4 3.3% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 7 5.8% -30.0%
Graduate degree 1 0.8% 0.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Palmer

How much people earn in Palmer

The average annual household income in Palmer was $68,546 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,063, reflecting a -2.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Palmer
$68,546/year
5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Palmer
$59,063/year
-2.6% year-over-year change

Palmer income by age

In Palmer, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $59,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $113,750 overall. Overall, 67.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $59,250 4.2%
45 - 64 $113,750 -5.4%
Over 65 $46,250 N/A
Above poverty level
91
Below poverty level
43
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 91 67.9% 16.7%
Below poverty level 43 32.1% 19.4%

Employment in Palmer

Workforce and job types in Palmer

The job market in Palmer is powered by 62 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 56.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 43.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.7% run their own businesses, 56.4% are employed by private companies, and 30.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
62
17.0% year-over-year change
White collar
35
Blue collar
27
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 35 56.4% 118.8%
Blue collar 27 43.6% -27.0%
Employer type
Self employees
9.7%
Private companies
56.4%
Governmental workers
30.6%
Not for profit companies
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6 9.7% 0.0%
Private companies 35 56.4% -7.9%
Governmental workers 19 30.6% 171.4%
Not for profit companies 2 3.2% 0.0%
Unemployment rate
1.6%
-50.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Palmer stands at 1.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Palmer

How people get around in Palmer

Commuting methods vary: 91.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 57 91.9% 21.3%
Walk 1 1.6% -50.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Palmer by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50571 273 180 $59,583 $77,388

Explore more communities

FAQs about Palmer demographics 

What is the total population of Palmer?

Palmer has a total population of 134 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +17.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Palmer?

The gender ratio in Palmer is as follows:
  • 50% males (67 residents)
  • 50% females (67 residents)

What is the median age in Palmer?

The median age in Palmer is 52.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Palmer?

The age distribution in Palmer is as follows:
  • Under 15: 4.5% (6 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.7% (21 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.9% (24 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.1% (39 residents)
  • Over 65: 32.8% (44 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer is as follows:
  • White: 97% (130 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3% (4 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0% (0 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Palmer are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Palmer.

How many housing units are there in Palmer?

There are 103 housing units in Palmer, reflecting a -2.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Palmer and what is the average household size?

Palmer has a total of 79 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Palmer?

Palmer has a median household income of $59,063, representing a -2.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Palmer?

The employment rate is 98.4% in Palmer, with a workforce of 62 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 56.4% (35 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 43.6% (27 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.7% (6 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.4% (35 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 30.6% (19 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.2% (2 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025