Palmerton, PA
Population 5,624 · Pennsylvania
About Palmerton, PA
Palmerton is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 5,624 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,471 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.4 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 Palmerton features a median home value of $161,500, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Palmerton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $913, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,704 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (1,601 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (973 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Palmerton shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Palmerton have an average one-way commute time of 29.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.2% of Palmerton 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 0.7% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 2.3% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Palmerton, PA
Compared to national averages, Palmerton has a median household income of $71,471 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $161,500, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $913 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Palmerton's income is 3% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 15% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Palmerton, PA?
Palmerton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $161,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $913/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 12.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,471) that falls below the national average. However, Palmerton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Palmerton has a population of 5,624 with a median age of 43.4 years. Compare Palmerton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Palmerton
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Brighton | 5,600 | $50,426 | $104,100 | Compare |
| Selinsgrove | 5,655 | $58,484 | $195,400 | Compare |
| Hollidaysburg | 5,581 | $62,319 | $190,500 | Compare |
| Wyndmoor | 5,567 | $142,583 | $478,100 | Compare |
| Punxsutawney | 5,689 | $43,097 | $102,500 | Compare |
| Monaca | 5,557 | $64,839 | $142,100 | Compare |
| Mount Carmel | 5,695 | $52,667 | $74,700 | Compare |
| Greenville | 5,533 | $56,850 | $98,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Palmerton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Palmerton
What is the population of Palmerton, PA?
The population of Palmerton, PA is 5,624 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Palmerton?
The median household income in Palmerton, PA is $71,471 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Palmerton?
The median home value in Palmerton, PA is $161,500, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Palmerton?
The median monthly rent in Palmerton, PA is $913, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Palmerton?
The unemployment rate in Palmerton, PA is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Palmerton, PA a good place to live?
Palmerton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,624 and a median age of 43.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Palmerton, PA?
16.2% of residents in Palmerton 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 Palmerton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Palmerton, PA: median home value is $161,500 (34% below national), median rent is $913/month, and median household income is $71,471. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Palmerton?
The poverty rate in Palmerton, PA is 12.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Palmerton, PA?
Palmerton's population is 0.7% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 2.3% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.