Palmer, AK
Population 6,141 · Alaska
About Palmer, AK
Palmer is a small town located in Alaska with a population of 6,141 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,550 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Palmer features a median home value of $275,900, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Palmer in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,134, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,516 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (1,441 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (870 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Palmer shows an unemployment rate of 8.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Palmer have an average one-way commute time of 25.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.8% of Palmer residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.5% White, 15.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 3.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Palmer Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Palmer, AK
Compared to national averages, Palmer has a median household income of $70,550 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $275,900, which is 13% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,134 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Palmer's income is 4% above the state average of $67,815, and home values are 35% above the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Palmer, AK?
Palmer offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,134/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,550) that falls below the national average. However, Palmer’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Palmer has a population of 6,141 with a median age of 32.9 years. Compare Palmer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Palmer
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Lakes | 6,132 | $89,632 | $367,700 | Compare |
| Bethel | 6,313 | $109,718 | $354,400 | Compare |
| Chena Ridge | 5,927 | $140,722 | $411,600 | Compare |
| Steele Creek | 5,861 | $117,260 | $331,200 | Compare |
| Homer | 5,750 | $73,723 | $363,700 | Compare |
| Gateway | 6,716 | $137,150 | $436,200 | Compare |
| Sterling | 6,776 | $110,341 | $346,100 | Compare |
| Kodiak | 5,497 | $71,373 | $314,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alaska
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Palmer With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Palmer
What is the population of Palmer, AK?
The population of Palmer, AK is 6,141 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alaska.
What is the median household income in Palmer?
The median household income in Palmer, AK is $70,550 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Palmer?
The median home value in Palmer, AK is $275,900, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Palmer?
The median monthly rent in Palmer, AK is $1,134, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Palmer?
The unemployment rate in Palmer, AK is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Palmer, AK a good place to live?
Palmer offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,141 and a median age of 32.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Palmer, AK?
23.8% of residents in Palmer aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Palmer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Palmer, AK: median home value is $275,900 (13% above national), median rent is $1,134/month, and median household income is $70,550. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Palmer?
The poverty rate in Palmer, AK is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Palmer, AK?
Palmer's population is 3.5% White, 15.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 3.3% of residents are foreign-born.