Palmer Town, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,381
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,480/yr
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,907
2.0% year-over-year change

Palmer Town population

How many people live in Palmer Town

Palmer Town is home to 12,381 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.3% of Palmer Town locals are male, and 52.7% are female.

Total population
12,381
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.3%
5,860
Female
52.7%
6,521
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,860 47.3% -4.0%
Female 6,521 52.7% 4.0%
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 Town is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.1% are children under 15, then 9.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.7% of the population, while another 31.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.1%
15 to 24
9.9%
25 to 44
25.7%
45 to 64
31.5%
Over 65
20.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,494 12.1% 10.1%
15 to 24 1,222 9.9% 1.4%
25 to 44 3,182 25.7% 13.8%
45 to 64 3,896 31.5% -12.3%
Over 65 2,587 20.9% 0.5%
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

In Palmer Town, 96.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 8.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.9%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,980 96.8% 1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 357 2.9% -24.8%
Non-citizens 44 0.4% -42.1%
Racial breakdown
White
86.8%
Black or African American
3.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.2%
Other
1.3%
Value Percent
White 10,743 86.8%
Black or African American 460 3.7%
Two or more races 1,020 8.2%
Other 158 1.3%

Households in Palmer Town

A peek inside Palmer Town households

Palmer Town has 5,496 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.7% are families, while the remaining 46.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,496
-0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,545
Family households
2,951
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,545 46.3% 8.2%
Family households 2,951 53.7% -7.6%
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 Town

The housing landscape of Palmer Town

Palmer Town's housing consists of 5,907 units, with 63.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.4% 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 4.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,907
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,731 63.2%
1 unit, attached 203 3.4%
2 units 466 7.9%
3 or 4 units 551 9.3%
5 to 9 units 317 5.4%
10 to 19 units 228 3.9%
20 to 49 units 142 2.4%
50 or more units 2 0%
Mobile home 267 4.5%
Homes built since 2020
27
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Palmer Town

In Palmer Town, the median construction year is 1962. About 24.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,449 24.5% 19.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 113 1.9% -28.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,273 21.6% 6.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 683 11.6% -5.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 731 12.4% -19.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 855 14.5% 21.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 489 8.3% 13.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 258 4.4% -22.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 29 0.5% -71.0%
Built in 2020 or later 27 0.5% 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 Town occupancy rates

Out of the 5,496 occupied housing units in Palmer Town, 71.5% are owner-occupied, while 28.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,496
-0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,567
Owner occupied
3,929
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,567 28.5% -5.8%
Owner occupied 3,929 71.5% 1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
7.0%
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 Town housing costs

Housing costs in Palmer Town come to a median of $1,299 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,075.

Median housing costs per month
$1,299/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 Town
$1,075/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 Town

Palmer Town education at a glance

About 43% of the population in Palmer Town went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 10.6% earned an associate degree and 14.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 412 3.9% -21.1%
High school diploma 4,514 43% -0.5%
College diploma 2,034 19.4% -0.8%
Associate degree 1,116 10.6% 13.3%
Bachelor's degree 1,568 14.9% -8.5%
Graduate degree 865 8.2% 3.1%
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 Town

How much people earn in Palmer Town

The average annual household income in Palmer Town was $99,329 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,480, reflecting a -0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Palmer Town
$99,329/year
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Palmer Town
$78,480/year
-0.4% year-over-year change

Palmer Town income by age

In Palmer Town, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $101,005. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $85,230 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,274, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,681 in earnings. Overall, 91.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,274 N/A
25 - 44 $101,005 5.1%
45 - 64 $85,230 2.2%
Over 65 $48,681 -14.4%
Above poverty level
11,182
Below poverty level
1,019
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 11,182 91.6% 0.2%
Below poverty level 1,019 8.4% -3.1%

Average renter income in Palmer Town

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Palmer Town, their median household income was $38,542 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$38,542
Rent-to-income ratio
33.5%
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 Town

Workforce and job types in Palmer Town

The job market in Palmer Town is powered by 6,395 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.2% run their own businesses, 69.8% are employed by private companies, and 9.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,395
1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
4,825
Blue collar
1,570
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,825 75.4% 3.9%
Blue collar 1,570 24.6% -4.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.2%
Private companies
69.8%
Governmental workers
9.8%
Not for profit companies
13.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 462 7.2% 20.6%
Private companies 4,466 69.8% 1.8%
Governmental workers 629 9.8% -21.2%
Not for profit companies 838 13.1% 15.4%
Unemployment rate
2.9%
-19.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Palmer Town stands at 2.9%, 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 Town

How people get around in Palmer Town

Commuting methods vary: 89.4% 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 5,722 89.4% 1.1%
Bus or trolleybus 15 0.2% -16.7%
Bicycle 5 0.1% -50.0%
Walk 102 1.6% 70.0%
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 Town by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
01009 804 364 $72,841 $83,727
01069 8,821 3,963 $80,190 $99,002
01079 438 208 $70,588 $86,168
01080 2,454 991 $89,063 $107,909

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FAQs about Palmer Town demographics 

What is the total population of Palmer Town?

Palmer Town has a total population of 12,381 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Palmer Town?

The gender ratio in Palmer Town is as follows:
  • 47.3% males (5,860 residents)
  • 52.7% females (6,521 residents)

What is the median age in Palmer Town?

The median age in Palmer Town is 47.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Palmer Town?

The age distribution in Palmer Town is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.1% (1,494 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.9% (1,222 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.7% (3,182 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.5% (3,896 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.9% (2,587 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer Town?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer Town is as follows:
  • White: 86.8% (10,743 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.7% (460 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: 8.2% (1,020 residents)
  • Other: 1.3% (158 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.8% of the population in Palmer Town.

How many housing units are there in Palmer Town?

There are 5,907 housing units in Palmer Town, reflecting a +2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Palmer Town has a total of 5,496 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Palmer Town?

Palmer Town has a median household income of $78,480, representing a -0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.1% in Palmer Town, with a workforce of 6,395 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.4% (4,825 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.6% (1,570 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.2% (462 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.8% (4,466 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.8% (629 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.1% (838 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