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

Total population
17,208
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$114,528/yr
5.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,092
2.4% year-over-year change

Palmer population

How many people live in Palmer

Palmer is home to 17,208 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.4% of Palmer locals are male, and 48.6% are female.

Total population
17,208
1.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.4%
8,846
Female
48.6%
8,362
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,846 51.4% 2.3%
Female 8,362 48.6% 1.2%
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 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.1% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 27.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.1%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
27.6%
Over 65
23%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,776 16.1% 2.5%
15 to 24 1,689 9.8% 10.9%
25 to 44 4,036 23.4% -3.6%
45 to 64 4,749 27.6% -0.1%
Over 65 3,959 23% 5.9%
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, 85.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 72.6% of locals are Caucasian, 6.4% are African American and 6.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.3%
Non-citizens
3.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,723 85.6% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,948 11.3% 12.7%
Non-citizens 538 3.1% 32.5%
Racial breakdown
White
72.6%
Black or African American
6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
6.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.4%
Other
4.9%
Value Percent
White 12,485 72.6%
Black or African American 1,108 6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 25 0.2%
Asian 1,123 6.5%
Two or more races 1,626 9.4%
Other 840 4.9%

Households in Palmer

A peek inside Palmer households

Palmer has 6,851 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 70.2% are families, while the remaining 29.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,851
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,044
Family households
4,807
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,044 29.8% 0.5%
Family households 4,807 70.2% 2.0%
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 7,092 units, with 71.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.2% 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 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,092
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,101 71.9%
1 unit, attached 934 13.2%
2 units 21 0.3%
3 or 4 units 323 4.6%
5 to 9 units 174 2.4%
10 to 19 units 124 1.8%
20 to 49 units 219 3.1%
50 or more units 162 2.3%
Mobile home 33 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
170
93.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Palmer

In Palmer, the median construction year is 1986. About 5.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 363 5.1% 7.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 191 2.7% -9.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 971 13.7% -5.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 862 12.2% 10.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 778 11% -1.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 682 9.6% -8.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 896 12.6% -2.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,292 18.2% 3.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 886 12.5% 13.3%
Built in 2020 or later 170 2.4% 93.2%
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 6,851 occupied housing units in Palmer, 80.7% are owner-occupied, while 19.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,851
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,320
Owner occupied
5,531
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,320 19.3% -1.2%
Owner occupied 5,531 80.7% 2.3%
Unoccupied housing units
3.4%
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 $1,685 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,944.

Median housing costs per month
$1,685/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
$1,944/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 29.5% of the population in Palmer went to high school, while 17% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 26.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 201 1.4% -22.1%
High school diploma 4,133 29.5% 2.3%
College diploma 2,384 17% 0.7%
Associate degree 1,181 8.4% -11.3%
Bachelor's degree 3,665 26.2% 2.8%
Graduate degree 2,444 17.4% 11.6%
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 $138,756 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $114,528, reflecting a +5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Palmer
$138,756/year
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Palmer
$114,528/year
5.0% 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 $125,482. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $155,641 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $122,629, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $75,446 in earnings. Overall, 95.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $122,629 4.1%
25 - 44 $125,482 7.0%
45 - 64 $155,641 7.4%
Over 65 $75,446 4.5%
Above poverty level
15,977
Below poverty level
723
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 15,977 95.7% -0.0%
Below poverty level 723 4.3% 49.4%

Employment in Palmer

Workforce and job types in Palmer

83.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 68% are employed by private companies, and 12.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
7,630
Blue collar
1,544
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,630 83.2% 2.0%
Blue collar 1,544 16.8% -2.2%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
68%
Governmental workers
12.1%
Not for profit companies
12%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 720 7.8% 4.8%
Private companies 6,239 68% 2.5%
Governmental workers 1,113 12.1% 2.1%
Not for profit companies 1,103 12% -7.5%

Transportation in Palmer

How people get around in Palmer

In Palmer, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,390 97.5% -2.1%
Taxicab 30 0.4% -21.1%
Bus or trolleybus 52 0.7% 40.5%
Bicycle 12 0.2% -50.0%
Walk 92 1.2% -8.0%
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
18045 30,429 12,115 $114,528 $139,340

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FAQs about Palmer demographics 

What is the total population of Palmer?

Palmer has a total population of 17,208 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 +1.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Palmer?

The gender ratio in Palmer is as follows:
  • 51.4% males (8,846 residents)
  • 48.6% females (8,362 residents)

What is the median age in Palmer?

The median age in Palmer is 45.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Palmer?

The age distribution in Palmer is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.1% (2,776 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (1,689 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (4,036 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.6% (4,749 residents)
  • Over 65: 23% (3,959 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Palmer is as follows:
  • White: 72.6% (12,485 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.4% (1,108 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (25 residents)
  • Asian: 6.5% (1,123 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.4% (1,626 residents)
  • Other: 4.9% (840 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.6% of the population in Palmer.

How many housing units are there in Palmer?

There are 7,092 housing units in Palmer, reflecting a +2.4% 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 6,851 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Palmer?

Palmer has a median household income of $114,528, representing a +5.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Palmer?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.2% (7,630 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.8% (1,544 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (720 residents)
  • Private companies: 68% (6,239 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.1% (1,113 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12% (1,103 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