Palmer Town, MA
Population 12,372 · Massachusetts
About Palmer Town, MA
Palmer Town is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 12,372 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,789 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Palmer Town features a median home value of $255,000, which is 4% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Palmer Town in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,041, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,792 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (3,882 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (1,664 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Palmer Town shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Palmer Town have an average one-way commute time of 31.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.0% of Palmer Town 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 2.8% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Palmer Town Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Palmer Town, MA
Compared to national averages, Palmer Town has a median household income of $78,789 (5% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $255,000, which is 4% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,041 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Palmer Town's income is 25% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 55% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Palmer Town, MA?
Palmer Town offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,789, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,041/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.6%, better than the national average.
Palmer Town has a population of 12,372 with a median age of 50.5 years. Compare Palmer Town with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Palmer Town
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Webster | 12,300 | $60,384 | $303,900 | Compare |
| North Adams | 12,660 | $48,521 | $185,300 | Compare |
| Lynnfield | 12,964 | $172,484 | $904,200 | Compare |
| South Yarmouth | 11,642 | $79,638 | $465,100 | Compare |
| Holbrook | 11,320 | $107,768 | $436,500 | Compare |
| Nantucket | 10,837 | $109,988 | $1,359,200 | Compare |
| Maynard | 10,663 | $119,549 | $494,200 | Compare |
| Hull | 10,098 | $127,112 | $606,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Palmer Town With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Palmer Town
What is the population of Palmer Town, MA?
The population of Palmer Town, MA is 12,372 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Palmer Town?
The median household income in Palmer Town, MA is $78,789 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Palmer Town?
The median home value in Palmer Town, MA is $255,000, which is 4% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Palmer Town?
The median monthly rent in Palmer Town, MA is $1,041, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Palmer Town?
The unemployment rate in Palmer Town, MA is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Palmer Town, MA a good place to live?
Palmer Town offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,372 and a median age of 50.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Palmer Town, MA?
24.0% of residents in Palmer Town 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 Town?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Palmer Town, MA: median home value is $255,000 (4% above national), median rent is $1,041/month, and median household income is $78,789. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Palmer Town?
The poverty rate in Palmer Town, MA is 8.6%, 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 Town, MA?
Palmer Town's population is 2.8% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 3.2% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.