Alaska / Matanuska Susitna County

Moving to Palmer, AK

Thinking of making a move to Palmer, AK? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palmer, AK

Considering a move to Palmer, AK? This welcoming community of 7,600 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $335,000 and average rents near $1,450. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (45% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Palmer's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Palmer, AK

Palmer has a population of 7,600 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 77% White, 2% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 10% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
7,600
Density
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age
36.7
Gender Ratio
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
9.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
77.0%
Black
1.6%
Asian
3.2%
Others
18.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Palmer, AK?

The cost of living in Palmer is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 122.8. Median home values are around $335,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,450. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$335,000
Gross Rent
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges
$210
Auto Insurance
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$620
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 0.0%
Cost Of Living Index
122.8
Grocery
116.5
Housing
118.9
Utilities
138.4
Transportation
123.0
Health Care
112.0
Miscellaneous
109.8

Crime

Is Palmer, AK a safe place to live?

Palmer is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 290 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 57. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Alaska.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
290
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,750
Crime Index
2,040
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 345
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 57

Weather

What is the weather like in Palmer, AK year-round?

Palmer experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 71°F and cold winters dipping to 2°F. The area receives about 18 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 45% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
2°F
Max
24°F

Summer

Min
48°F
Max
71°F

Spring

Min
24°F
Max
52°F

Fall

Min
25°F
Max
54°F
Average Rainfall Inches
17.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
45%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $76,500 and a low poverty rate of 10.8%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 25% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$41,500
Household Income
$76,500
Family Income
$87,000
Per Capita Income
$30,500
Income Male
$49,000
Income Female
$41,000
Poverty Rate
10.8%
Non English Speakers
12.2%
Rent
$1,450
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
Public Transport Usage
3.5%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.0%
Bachelors or More
24.6%

Education

How are the schools in Palmer, AK?

Palmer offers quality education options, with public schools like Palmer High School and Palmer Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Alaska Anchorage - Mat-Su Campus and University of Alaska Anchorage. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Palmer High School
Street
1170 W Armstrong Ln
Phone
907-861-5500
Students
750
Student Teacher Ratio
15.4
Name
Palmer Middle School
Street
1170 W Arctic Ave
Phone
907-861-5400
Students
620
Student Teacher Ratio
15.8

Private Schools

Name
Swanson Elementary School
Street
1105 S Victor Rd
Phone
907-745-1950
Students
140

Colleges

Name
University of Alaska Anchorage - Mat-Su Campus
City
Palmer
State
AK
Distance
2 miles
Students
900
Name
University of Alaska Anchorage
City
Anchorage
State
AK
Distance
43 miles
Students
13,000

Healthcare

Palmer residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and Alaska Regional Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 89.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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
Name
Alaska Regional Hospital
Address
2801 DeBarr Rd, Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone
(907) 276-1131
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
89.4%
Health Care Index
68.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Palmer, AK?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $335,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 65%. The market has seen a 3.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.8%. Palmer offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$335,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate
64.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.6%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Palmer handle vehicle services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Anchorage. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Alaska
Department
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
3901 Old Seward Hwy, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone
1-855-269-5551

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.

FAQs About Moving to Palmer, AK

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Palmer, review the core fields on this page: population 7,600, median home value $335,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,450, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 45%.

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