AlaskaPop. 6,268Towns
Is Palmer a Good Place to Live? Palmer, Alaska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Palmer ranks #788 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #137 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #23 of 151), and trails on high living costs (105.4, #205 of 230) and long commutes (26.8 min, #195 of 234).
Palmer by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Palmer's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Palmer?
Palmer's cost of living index is 105.4, 5% above the US level of 100 and #958 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,125/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $440,227, 10% above the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
| Measure | Palmer | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 105.4#958 of 1,308 | 102.4 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $440,227#712 of 1,187 | $398,663 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,150/mo#784 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $294,900#517 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,125/mo#365 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.1x#604 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 18.7%#310 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Palmer housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Palmer is in the Anchorage, AK metro.
Alaska housing market →Is Palmer safe?
Palmer recorded 206 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% below the US rate of 328 and 72% below Alaska's 729. That ranks #370 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #72 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Palmer Police Department. Property crime runs 1,351 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Palmer | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 206#370 of 1,085 | 729 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,351#385 of 1,085 | 1,893 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Palmer?
The median household in Palmer earns $72,201, 13% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Alaska ($95,665). 13% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Palmer | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $72,201#777 of 1,312 | $95,665 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 13%#734 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +1.6%#138 of 1,132 | +0.1% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Palmer?
The median resident of Palmer is 32.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #992 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Palmer | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 32.9 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 24.5%#992 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 63.1% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Palmer's schools and health?
Palmer's 5 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 15.7 students per teacher and $15,575 spent per pupil. 36.5% of adults are obese and 8.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Palmer | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 77.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 15.7#584 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $15,575#510 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 36.5%#912 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 8.6%#159 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 16.6%#541 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9.8%#637 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 2,195 students are enrolled in Palmer's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Palmer?
The average commute in Palmer is 26.8 minutes (Alaska 19.8); 0.4% of workers take transit and 8.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Palmer scores 6.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1257 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 57.3°F and winters 18.2°F, with 12.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Palmer | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 26.8 min#920 of 1,312 | 19.8 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 12.1%#1150 of 1,312 | 5.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 73.7% | 66.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 4.3% | 6.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.4% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 8.6% | 8.4% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.8#1257 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22.4 | 8.3 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 28.3 | 13.2 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 33.9 | 17.2 | 0.5 |
| Apr | 47.8 | 29.8 | 0.3 |
| May | 59.1 | 38.8 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 65.7 | 46.9 | 1 |
| Jul | 67.6 | 50.7 | 1.6 |
| Aug | 64.6 | 48.2 | 2.3 |
| Sep | 55.8 | 40.8 | 2.1 |
| Oct | 42.3 | 28.6 | 1.3 |
| Nov | 28.9 | 15.6 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 25.1 | 11.4 | 1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Palmer Airport.
| Measure | Palmer | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 37.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 57.3°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 18.2°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 12.6 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Palmer Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Palmer?
Matanuska-Susitna Borough's air had a median air quality index of 9, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Matanuska-Susitna Borough's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Palmer | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 9#3 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.39%#1214 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Matanuska-Susitna Borough: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Matanuska-Susitna Borough
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.31% | 100% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.013% | 87% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.025% | 1% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Palmer compare with similar-size cities?
Palmer is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #137 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 6,268.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palmer, AKPop. 6,268 | #788 | 53.5 | $72,201 | $1,125/mo | 206 | 26.8 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 min |
| Shelburne, VTPop. 6,499 | #6 | 76.0 | $109,583 | $1,439/mo | 61 | 20.7 min |
| Elsmere, DEPop. 6,203 | #971 | 50.6 | $67,944 | $1,339/mo | 144 | 24.4 min |
| Torrington, WYPop. 6,182 | #853 | 52.5 | $47,902 | $901/mo | 321 | 13.6 min |
| Sidney, MTPop. 6,171 | #725 | 54.6 | $62,538 | $931/mo | 655 | 21.2 min |
| Madison, SDPop. 6,094 | #662 | 55.7 | $65,593 | $981/mo | 99 | 11.4 min |
| Watford City, NDPop. 6,039 | #333 | 61.3 | $102,260 | $1,336/mo | 387 | 20.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Palmer compare with the rest of Alaska?
Palmer ranks #12 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 53.5 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 25% below the Alaska median. Violent crime is 72% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% above the typical Alaska home.
| City | Rank in AK | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sitka, AKPop. 8,368 | #1 | 68.9 | $101,727 | $1,341/mo | 242 |
| Chena Ridge, AKPop. 5,881 | #2 | 64.9 | $133,775 | $1,110/mo | no data |
| Gateway, AKPop. 6,845 | #3 | 64.4 | $137,772 | $1,741/mo | no data |
| Juneau, AKPop. 31,794 | #4 | 63.5 | $101,661 | $1,444/mo | 487 |
| Bethel, AKPop. 6,312 | #5 | 60.8 | $117,255 | $1,678/mo | 1,278 |
| Sterling, AKPop. 6,323 | #6 | 58.8 | $102,415 | $1,248/mo | no data |
| Ketchikan, AKPop. 8,078 | #7 | 58.0 | $85,275 | $1,417/mo | 350 |
| Kenai, AKPop. 7,641 | #8 | 57.6 | $87,083 | $1,138/mo | 344 |
| Kalifornsky, AKPop. 8,663 | #9 | 55.3 | $93,508 | $1,394/mo | no data |
| South Lakes, AKPop. 6,180 | #10 | 54.8 | $98,141 | $1,178/mo | no data |
| North Lakes, AKPop. 10,223 | #11 | 54.4 | $101,679 | $1,441/mo | no data |
| Palmer, AKPop. 6,268 | #12 | 53.5 | $72,201 | $1,125/mo | 206 |
| College, AKPop. 11,924 | #13 | 52.9 | $83,895 | $1,454/mo | no data |
| Badger, AKPop. 18,677 | #14 | 52.0 | $97,183 | $1,629/mo | no data |
| Anchorage, AKPop. 288,976 | #15 | 51.9 | $103,284 | $1,489/mo | 1,027 |
| Tanaina, AKPop. 9,646 | #16 | 51.4 | $105,536 | $1,398/mo | no data |
| Fairbanks, AKPop. 32,083 | #17 | 49.2 | $73,534 | $1,496/mo | 843 |
| Knik-Fairview, AKPop. 19,972 | #18 | 48.8 | $96,437 | $1,588/mo | no data |
| Wasilla, AKPop. 9,720 | #19 | 47.6 | $67,234 | $1,153/mo | 432 |
| Meadow Lakes, AKPop. 8,689 | #20 | 44.6 | $81,699 | $1,377/mo | no data |
All 20 Alaska cities we track, by overall score. Alaska statewide: median income $95,665, violent crime 729.3 per 100,000.
How is Palmer's score calculated?
Palmer scores 53.5 out of 100, #788 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Alaska's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Palmer. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
32.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Palmer's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
84.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Palmer. Similar-size median 56.5.
57.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Palmer's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
58.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Palmer's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
68.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Palmer. Similar-size median 50.8.
47.7 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Palmer. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
51.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Palmer. Similar-size median 48.3.
40.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Palmer's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
30.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
53.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Palmer's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Palmer has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Palmer
Is Palmer, AK a good place to live?
Palmer ranks #788 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #137 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #23 of 151), and trails on high living costs (105.4, #205 of 230) and long commutes (26.8 min, #195 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Palmer?
Palmer's cost of living index is 105.4, 5% above the US level of 100 and #958 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,125/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $440,227, 10% above the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
What is the crime rate in Palmer?
Palmer recorded 206 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% below the US rate of 328 and 72% below Alaska's 729. That ranks #370 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #72 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Palmer Police Department. Property crime runs 1,351 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Palmer?
The median household in Palmer earns $72,201, 13% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Alaska ($95,665). 13% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Palmer?
Median rent in Palmer is $1,125/mo (Census), #365 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,150/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Palmer?
The typical home value in Palmer is $440,227, up 9.3% in a year, against $398,663 for Alaska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $294,900.
How are the public schools in Palmer?
Palmer's 5 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 15.7 students per teacher and $15,575 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Palmer?
The average commute is 26.8 minutes, #920 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.8 minutes across Alaska. 12.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Palmer?
Palmer averages 37.1°F over the year, 57.3°F in summer and 18.2°F in winter, with 12.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Palmer walkable?
Palmer scores 6.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1257 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Palmer at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Matanuska-Susitna Borough's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Palmer?
Matanuska-Susitna Borough's air had a median air quality index of 9, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Palmer?
Palmer has 6,268 residents. The median resident of Palmer is 32.9 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #992 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Palmer compare with the rest of Alaska?
Palmer ranks #12 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 53.5 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 25% below the Alaska median. Violent crime is 72% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% above the typical Alaska home.
What cities are similar in size to Palmer?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Palmer's population of 6,268 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Shelburne, VT (#6 overall), Elsmere, DE (#971 overall), and Torrington, WY (#853 overall). Palmer is #788.