Palmer Heights, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,624
-8.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$99,815/yr
-13.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,383
-3.6% year-over-year change

Palmer Heights population

How many people live in Palmer Heights

Palmer Heights is home to 3,624 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.8% of Palmer Heights locals are male, and 47.2% are female.

Total population
3,624
-8.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.8%
1,912
Female
47.2%
1,712
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,912 52.8% -10.9%
Female 1,712 47.2% -5.8%
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 Heights is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 6.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 16.2% of the population, while another 29.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 31.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
6.5%
25 to 44
16.2%
45 to 64
29.8%
Over 65
31.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 580 16% -20.6%
15 to 24 235 6.5% 13.5%
25 to 44 588 16.2% -20.5%
45 to 64 1,079 29.8% -10.3%
Over 65 1,142 31.5% 5.5%
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 Heights, 90.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.1% of locals are Caucasian, 4.8% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.8%
Non-citizens
1.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,276 90.4% -8.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 281 7.8% -12.7%
Non-citizens 67 1.8% -9.5%
Racial breakdown
White
80.1%
Black or African American
4.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.6%
Other
6.7%
Value Percent
White 2,902 80.1%
Black or African American 172 4.8%
Asian 30 0.8%
Two or more races 276 7.6%
Other 244 6.7%

Households in Palmer Heights

A peek inside Palmer Heights households

Palmer Heights has 1,334 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 78.3% are families, while the remaining 21.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,334
-2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
290
Family households
1,044
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 290 21.7% 16.5%
Family households 1,044 78.3% -6.5%
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 Heights

The housing landscape of Palmer Heights

Palmer Heights's housing consists of 1,383 units, with 93.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,383
-3.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,292 93.4%
1 unit, attached 83 6%
3 or 4 units 8 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
-100.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Palmer Heights

In Palmer Heights, the median construction year is 1966. About 1.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.1% 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 23 1.7% -11.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 98 7.1% -3.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 421 30.4% -4.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 271 19.6% -18.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 230 16.6% 15.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 72 5.2% 1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 93 6.7% 10.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 175 12.6% 2.9%
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 Heights occupancy rates

Out of the 1,334 occupied housing units in Palmer Heights, 98.4% are owner-occupied, while 1.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,334
-2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
21
Owner occupied
1,313
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 21 1.6% -53.3%
Owner occupied 1,313 98.4% -0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
3.5%
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 Heights housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$1,552/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 Heights

Palmer Heights education at a glance

About 34.3% of the population in Palmer Heights went to high school, while 17.2% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 24.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 51 1.7% -21.5%
High school diploma 1,024 34.3% -6.2%
College diploma 514 17.2% -7.0%
Associate degree 290 9.7% 23.9%
Bachelor's degree 730 24.5% -6.9%
Graduate degree 373 12.5% -9.0%
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 Heights

How much people earn in Palmer Heights

The average annual household income in Palmer Heights was $114,434 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -6.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $99,815, reflecting a -13.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Palmer Heights
$114,434/year
-6.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Palmer Heights
$99,815/year
-13.4% year-over-year change

Palmer Heights income by age

In Palmer Heights, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $108,864. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $158,453 overall. Overall, 95.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $108,864 -16.2%
45 - 64 $158,453 3.5%
Over 65 $70,750 -4.4%
Above poverty level
3,173
Below poverty level
162
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,173 95.1% -11.7%
Below poverty level 162 4.9% 107.7%

Average renter income in Palmer Heights

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Palmer Heights, their median household income was $63,750 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$63,750
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
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 Heights

Workforce and job types in Palmer Heights

The job market in Palmer Heights is powered by 1,715 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 53.4% are employed by private companies, and 26.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,715
-10.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,418
Blue collar
297
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,418 82.7% -10.1%
Blue collar 297 17.3% -13.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
53.4%
Governmental workers
26.1%
Not for profit companies
12.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 144 8.4% -33.3%
Private companies 915 53.4% -9.4%
Governmental workers 448 26.1% 5.2%
Not for profit companies 208 12.1% -23.0%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
-8.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Palmer Heights stands at 4.9%, 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 Heights

How people get around in Palmer Heights

Commuting methods vary: 88.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% 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 1,485 88.8% -12.0%
Taxicab 30 1.8% -33.3%
Bicycle 11 0.7% -21.4%
Walk 13 0.8% -27.8%
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.

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FAQs about Palmer Heights demographics 

What is the total population of Palmer Heights?

Palmer Heights has a total population of 3,624 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 -8.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Palmer Heights?

The gender ratio in Palmer Heights is as follows:
  • 52.8% males (1,912 residents)
  • 47.2% females (1,712 residents)

What is the median age in Palmer Heights?

The median age in Palmer Heights is 48.5.

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

The age distribution in Palmer Heights is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (580 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.5% (235 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 16.2% (588 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.8% (1,079 residents)
  • Over 65: 31.5% (1,142 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer Heights?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer Heights is as follows:
  • White: 80.1% (2,902 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.8% (172 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (30 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.6% (276 residents)
  • Other: 6.7% (244 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.4% of the population in Palmer Heights.

How many housing units are there in Palmer Heights?

There are 1,383 housing units in Palmer Heights, reflecting a -3.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Palmer Heights has a total of 1,334 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Palmer Heights?

Palmer Heights has a median household income of $99,815, representing a -13.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.1% in Palmer Heights, with a workforce of 1,715 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.7% (1,418 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.3% (297 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (144 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.4% (915 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 26.1% (448 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.1% (208 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