Palmer, NE
Population 446 · Nebraska
About Palmer, NE
Palmer is a small community located in Nebraska with a population of 446 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,861 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Palmer features a median home value of $102,900, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Palmer one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $785, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 202 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (166 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (28 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Palmer shows an unemployment rate of 0.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Palmer have an average one-way commute time of 31 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.2% of Palmer residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Palmer Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Palmer, NE
Compared to national averages, Palmer has a median household income of $54,861 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $102,900, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $785 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Palmer's income is 17% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 18% below the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Palmer, NE?
Palmer offers affordable housing with a median home value of $102,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $785/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,861) 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 446 with a median age of 38.3 years. Compare Palmer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
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Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Nebraska
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Palmer
What is the population of Palmer, NE?
The population of Palmer, NE is 446 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Palmer?
The median household income in Palmer, NE is $54,861 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Palmer?
The median home value in Palmer, NE is $102,900, which is 58% below 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, NE is $785, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Palmer?
The unemployment rate in Palmer, NE is 0.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Palmer, NE a good place to live?
Palmer offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 446 and a median age of 38.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Palmer, NE?
17.2% 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, NE: median home value is $102,900 (58% below national), median rent is $785/month, and median household income is $54,861. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Palmer?
The poverty rate in Palmer, NE is 6.5%, 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, NE?
Palmer's population is 2.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.