Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palmer, AK
Considering moving to Palmer, AK? This welcoming city of 6,094 residents offers scenic Alaskan beauty, affordable median home prices around $294,000, and average rents near $1,190. Enjoy a relaxed pace with average commutes of 29 minutes, low state taxes, and access to local healthcare at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. While crime rates are somewhat above the national average, Palmer features quality schools and a strong sense of community, all set in a climate with cool summers, snowy winters, and over 58% sunny days a year.
Demographics - Palmer, AK
Demographics - Palmer, AK
Palmer, Alaska is home to just over 6,000 residents, with a median age of 34.1 and a balanced gender ratio. The city’s population is predominantly White, with a notable Native American community and a small percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its close-knit and diverse character.
Population:
6,094
Density:
1,166 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.1
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
80.1%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
8.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palmer, AK?
Living in Palmer comes with a cost of living index of 123.7, reflecting higher expenses than the national average, especially for groceries and utilities. Median home values are around $294,000, and average rent is $1,190, while residents benefit from Alaska's 0% state income tax.
Median House Value:
$294,000
Gross Rent:
$1,190
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
123.7
Grocery:
135.0
Housing:
108.0
Utilities:
158.0
Transportation:
125.0
Health Care:
142.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Palmer, AK a safe place to live?
Palmer experiences crime rates that are somewhat higher than the national average, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 44 and violent crime at 1 in 293. Newcomers should be mindful of public safety while enjoying the community’s many amenities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
341
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,250
Crime Index:
2,591
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 293
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 44
Weather
What is the weather like in Palmer, AK year-round?
Palmer offers a true Alaskan climate, featuring snowy winters with lows around 7°F, mild summers reaching up to 70°F, and about 58% sunny days each year. Annual rainfall is moderate at nearly 14 inches, making for scenic seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
23°F
Spring
Min:
25°F
Max:
45°F
Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Fall
Min:
25°F
Max:
50°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Residents in Palmer enjoy a median household income of $67,400 and a poverty rate of 10.7%, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma. The average commute is about 29 minutes, and public transportation usage is quite low, reflecting the area’s suburban feel.
Median Income:
$35,600
Household Income:
$67,400
Family Income:
$76,500
Per Capita Income:
$28,800
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$36,800
Poverty Rate:
10.7%
Non English Speakers:
5.5%
Rent:
$1,190
Unemployment Rate:
6.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
29.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.5%
Bachelors or More:
23.2%
Education
How are the schools in Palmer, AK?
Palmer offers a range of educational opportunities, from public schools like Palmer High and Sherrod Elementary to private and homeschooling options. The city is also home to the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Matanuska-Susitna College, providing local access to higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
Palmer High School
Street:
1170 W Arctic Ave
Phone:
907-746-8400
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Name:
Sherrod Elementary School
Street:
561 N Gulkana St
Phone:
907-761-4100
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Private Schools
Name:
Pioneer Peak Elementary Homeschool
Street:
4700 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy
Phone:
907-861-5300
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Anchorage – Matanuska-Susitna College
City:
Palmer
State:
AK
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Palmer is anchored by the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, offering general and emergency services. The city has a solid health insurance coverage rate of 89.5% and approximately 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring accessible care for most local needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mat-Su Regional Medical Center
Address:
2500 S Woodworth Loop, Palmer, AK 99645
Phone:
(907) 861-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palmer, AK?
Palmer’s housing market features a median home price of $294,000, with 61% of residents owning their homes and average 2-bedroom rents at $1,190. The market is stable, seeing modest appreciation and low foreclosure rates, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$294,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,190
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Palmer residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles located nearby in Wasilla, providing essential licensing and registration services. The DMV is easily accessible with comprehensive information available on the state website.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
101 W Swanson Ave #103, Wasilla, AK 99654
Phone:
(855) 269-5551
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.