Palmer, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
241
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$49,500/yr
-6.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
127
19.8% year-over-year change

Palmer population

How many people live in Palmer

Palmer is home to 241 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.2% of Palmer locals are male, and 54.8% are female.

Total population
241
3.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.2%
109
Female
54.8%
132
Value Percent YoY change
Male 109 45.2% 0.0%
Female 132 54.8% 6.5%
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 13.7% are children under 15, then 7.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.7% of the population, while another 28.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 31.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
53.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.7%
15 to 24
7.9%
25 to 44
18.7%
45 to 64
28.6%
Over 65
31.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 33 13.7% 10.0%
15 to 24 19 7.9% -26.9%
25 to 44 45 18.7% 0.0%
45 to 64 69 28.6% 16.9%
Over 65 75 31.1% 2.7%
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

There’s also a share of 0.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 241 100% 3.4%
Racial breakdown
White
99.6%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 240 99.6%
Two or more races 1 0.4%

Households in Palmer

A peek inside Palmer households

Palmer has 112 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 74.1% are families, while the remaining 25.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
112
13.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
29
Family households
83
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 29 25.9% 7.4%
Family households 83 74.1% 15.3%
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 127 units, with 88.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 10.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
127
19.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 112 88.2%
1 unit, attached 2 1.6%
Mobile home 13 10.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Palmer

In Palmer, the median construction year is 1938. About 56.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.9% 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 72 56.7% 24.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 10 7.9% 11.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2 1.6% N/A
Built between 1960 and 1969 4 3.2% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 18 14.2% -14.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 10 7.9% 42.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 8 6.3% 100.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2 1.6% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1 0.8% 0.0%
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 112 occupied housing units in Palmer, 88.4% are owner-occupied, while 11.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
112
13.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
13
Owner occupied
99
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 13 11.6% 30.0%
Owner occupied 99 88.4% 11.2%
Unoccupied housing units
11.8%
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

Housing costs in Palmer come to a median of $881 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $740.

Median housing costs per month
$881/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.
Median gross rent in Palmer
$740/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Palmer

Palmer education at a glance

About 58.7% of the population in Palmer went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 9.4% earned an associate degree and 7.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 0.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 9 4.5% -25.0%
High school diploma 118 58.7% 10.3%
College diploma 39 19.4% -18.8%
Associate degree 19 9.4% 11.8%
Bachelor's degree 15 7.5% 66.7%
Graduate degree 1 0.5% -50.0%
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 $62,167 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $49,500, reflecting a -6.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Palmer
$62,167/year
-5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Palmer
$49,500/year
-6.5% 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 $91,875. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $56,705 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $43,125, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $33,466 in earnings. Overall, 88.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $43,125 N/A
25 - 44 $91,875 -3.3%
45 - 64 $56,705 N/A
Over 65 $33,466 5.9%
Above poverty level
211
Below poverty level
27
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 211 88.7% 6.0%
Below poverty level 27 11.3% -15.6%

Average renter income in Palmer

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Palmer, their median household income was $50,500 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 17.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$50,500
Rent-to-income ratio
17.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Palmer

Workforce and job types in Palmer

The job market in Palmer is powered by 100 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13% run their own businesses, 52% are employed by private companies, and 22% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
100
-4.8% year-over-year change
White collar
66
Blue collar
34
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 66 66% -12.0%
Blue collar 34 34% 13.3%
Employer type
Self employees
13%
Private companies
52%
Governmental workers
22%
Not for profit companies
13%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 13 13% -23.5%
Private companies 52 52% 2.0%
Governmental workers 22 22% 15.8%
Not for profit companies 13 13% -27.8%
Unemployment rate
1.0%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Palmer stands at 1%, 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

In Palmer, the average commute time is 24 minutes.

Commute time
24 min
1.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 94 94% -4.1%
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
62556 370 158 $55,694 $69,532

Explore more communities

FAQs about Palmer demographics 

What is the total population of Palmer?

Palmer has a total population of 241 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 +3.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Palmer?

The gender ratio in Palmer is as follows:
  • 45.2% males (109 residents)
  • 54.8% females (132 residents)

What is the median age in Palmer?

The median age in Palmer is 53.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Palmer?

The age distribution in Palmer is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.7% (33 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.9% (19 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.7% (45 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.6% (69 residents)
  • Over 65: 31.1% (75 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer is as follows:
  • White: 99.6% (240 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 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: 0.4% (1 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 127 housing units in Palmer, reflecting a +19.8% 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 112 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Palmer?

Palmer has a median household income of $49,500, representing a -6.5% 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 99% in Palmer, with a workforce of 100 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66% (66 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34% (34 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13% (13 residents)
  • Private companies: 52% (52 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22% (22 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13% (13 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