Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palmer, IN
Moving to Palmer, IN? With a small-town feel and an estimated population of 500, Palmer offers affordable living—median home prices are around $162,000 and rents average $890. Residents enjoy a short 29-minute commute, low utility costs, and access to nearby quality schools and healthcare. While crime rates are similar to state averages, Palmer’s quiet atmosphere, moderate cost of living, and friendly community make it an attractive choice for those seeking a laid-back lifestyle in northwest Indiana.
Demographics - Palmer, IN
Demographics - Palmer, IN
Palmer, Indiana is a close-knit community of around 500 residents, with a median age of 41.2, and a balanced gender ratio. The town is predominantly White (84%), with a small but present mix of Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This diverse yet compact population contributes to Palmer’s quiet, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
500 (estimated)
Density:
450 per sq mi (estimated)
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.0%
Black:
9.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palmer, IN?
Living in Palmer is quite affordable, with a median home value of $162,000 and an average rent of $890, both well below national averages. The overall cost of living index is 87.4, meaning your dollar goes further here, especially for housing and everyday expenses. Reasonable utility costs and low state income tax also help keep monthly budgets manageable.
Median House Value:
$162,000
Gross Rent:
$890
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
3.15%
|
High:
3.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.4
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
72.0
Utilities:
95.1
Transportation:
89.3
Health Care:
95.7
Miscellaneous:
94.2
Crime
Is Palmer, IN a safe place to live?
Palmer maintains a relatively low crime rate, with about 202 violent crimes and 1,490 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents face a 1 in 495 chance of being affected by violent crime, making it a comparably safe place to live for families and individuals. The community’s small size and close ties help support its secure, peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
202
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,490
Crime Index:
1,692
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 495
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 67
Weather
What is the weather like in Palmer, IN year-round?
Palmer experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters dropping to 17°F and warm summers reaching 83°F. The area receives about 39.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 54% of the year. Residents appreciate the variety of seasonal activities and moderate climate typical of northwest Indiana.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Palmer’s households typically earn a median income of $58,800, with about 12.8% living below the poverty line. Most adults hold at least a high school diploma, and the unemployment rate stands at a modest 4.7%. With a 29-minute average commute and limited use of public transportation, the town maintains a relaxed, suburban pace of life.
Median Income:
$33,400
Household Income:
$58,800
Family Income:
$72,100
Per Capita Income:
$28,900
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$33,100
Poverty Rate:
12.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$890
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
29.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.2%
Bachelors or More:
19.4%
Education
How are the schools in Palmer, IN?
Palmer families benefit from proximity to well-regarded public schools like Lake Central High School and Merrillville Intermediate School, as well as private options such as Andrean High School. Higher education is accessible, with Indiana University Northwest and Purdue University Northwest located within a short drive. The area supports strong educational attainment with most adults holding a high school diploma or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
Lake Central High School
Street:
8400 Wicker Ave
Phone:
219-365-8551
Students:
3,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Name:
Merrillville Intermediate School
Street:
1400 W 61st Ave
Phone:
219-650-5308
Students:
930
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.0
Private Schools
Name:
Andrean High School
Street:
5959 Broadway, Merrillville
Phone:
219-887-5281
Students:
425
Colleges
Name:
Indiana University Northwest
City:
Gary
State:
IN
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
3,700
Name:
Purdue University Northwest
City:
Hammond
State:
IN
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
9,800
Healthcare
Residents of Palmer have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus and Community Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.6% and about 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people. Emergency services and general medical care are readily available within a short drive.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus
Address:
600 Grant St, Gary, IN 46402
Phone:
(219) 886-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Community Hospital
Address:
901 MacArthur Blvd, Munster, IN 46321
Phone:
(219) 836-1600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
68.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palmer, IN?
Palmer’s housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $162,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $890. Most residents own their homes, reflected in a 68.7% owner-occupancy rate, and the area sees a modest annual home appreciation of 3.2%. Housing options are accessible, with low vacancy and foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$162,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$890
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
For motor vehicle services, Palmer residents are served by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Indianapolis. The bureau provides driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and other essential services both online and at regional branches. Most DMV needs can be handled conveniently via their website or by contacting their statewide customer service line.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
100 N Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone:
1-888-692-6841
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.