Palmer, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
309
-9.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,833/yr
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
154
-8.9% year-over-year change

Palmer population

How many people live in Palmer

Palmer is home to 309 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.4% of Palmer locals are male, and 45.6% are female.

Total population
309
-9.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.4%
168
Female
45.6%
141
Value Percent YoY change
Male 168 54.4% -1.8%
Female 141 45.6% -17.5%
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 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.6% are children under 15, then 14.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.3% of the population, while another 33.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.6%
15 to 24
14.6%
25 to 44
22.3%
45 to 64
33.3%
Over 65
15.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 45 14.6% -31.8%
15 to 24 45 14.6% 36.4%
25 to 44 69 22.3% -16.9%
45 to 64 103 33.3% -7.2%
Over 65 47 15.2% -4.1%
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, 99.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 307 99.4% -9.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 0.6% -33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
94.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 293 94.8%
Two or more races 16 5.2%

Households in Palmer

A peek inside Palmer households

Palmer has 128 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 69.5% are families, while the remaining 30.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
128
-9.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
39
Family households
89
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 39 30.5% -23.5%
Family households 89 69.5% -2.2%
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 154 units, with 94.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
154
-8.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 146 94.8%
3 or 4 units 8 5.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Palmer

In Palmer, the median construction year is 1945. About 37% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 24% 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 57 37% -12.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 37 24% 12.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 43 27.9% -4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 15 9.7% -11.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2 1.3% 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 128 occupied housing units in Palmer, 88.3% are owner-occupied, while 11.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
128
-9.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15
Owner occupied
113
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15 11.7% 25.0%
Owner occupied 113 88.3% -13.1%
Unoccupied housing units
16.9%
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 $725 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $763.

Median housing costs per month
$725/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
$763/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 51.4% of the population in Palmer went to high school, while 25.7% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 14% 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 132 51.4% 25.7%
College diploma 66 25.7% -35.3%
Associate degree 21 8.2% -4.5%
Bachelor's degree 36 14% 5.9%
Graduate degree 2 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 $71,273 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,833, reflecting a +2.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Palmer
$71,273/year
3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Palmer
$65,833/year
2.9% 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 $80,278. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,125 overall. Overall, 94.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $80,278 21.2%
45 - 64 $63,125 3.8%
Over 65 $65,625 -3.7%
Above poverty level
293
Below poverty level
16
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 293 94.8% -11.2%
Below poverty level 16 5.2% 33.3%

Employment in Palmer

Workforce and job types in Palmer

The job market in Palmer is powered by 153 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 0.6% run their own businesses, 79.1% are employed by private companies, and 10.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
153
-4.4% year-over-year change
White collar
111
Blue collar
42
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 111 72.6% -3.5%
Blue collar 42 27.4% -6.7%
Employer type
Self employees
0.6%
Private companies
79.1%
Governmental workers
10.5%
Not for profit companies
9.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1 0.6% -50.0%
Private companies 121 79.1% -4.0%
Governmental workers 16 10.5% -15.8%
Not for profit companies 15 9.8% 15.4%
Unemployment rate
7.3%
33.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Palmer stands at 7.3%, 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 30 minutes.

Commute time
30 min
2.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 144 94.1% -4.6%
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
49871 392 166 $63,125 $69,632

Explore more communities

FAQs about Palmer demographics 

What is the total population of Palmer?

Palmer has a total population of 309 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 -9.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Palmer?

The gender ratio in Palmer is as follows:
  • 54.4% males (168 residents)
  • 45.6% females (141 residents)

What is the median age in Palmer?

The median age in Palmer is 42.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Palmer?

The age distribution in Palmer is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.6% (45 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.6% (45 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.3% (69 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 33.3% (103 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.2% (47 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer is as follows:
  • White: 94.8% (293 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: 5.2% (16 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.4% of the population in Palmer.

How many housing units are there in Palmer?

There are 154 housing units in Palmer, reflecting a -8.9% 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 128 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Palmer?

Palmer has a median household income of $65,833, representing a +2.9% 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 92.7% in Palmer, with a workforce of 153 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.6% (111 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.4% (42 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0.6% (1 residents)
  • Private companies: 79.1% (121 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.5% (16 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.8% (15 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