Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palmer, MA
Considering a move to Palmer, MA? This small town of 12,221 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $264,000 and average 2-bedroom rents at $1,080. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate of 173 per 100K, a reasonable 28-minute average commute, and easy access to local healthcare at Baystate Wing Hospital. Education is solid with student-teacher ratios near 13:1, and you'll experience the full range of New England's seasons with 53% sunny days yearly. Palmer combines small-town charm, manageable costs, and all the essentials for comfortable living.
Demographics - Palmer, MA
Demographics - Palmer, MA
Palmer, Massachusetts is a small town of 12,221 residents with a predominantly White population and a median age of 45, reflecting a mature community. The area has a near-equal gender balance and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, fostering a welcoming and stable environment. Its population density allows for a comfortable, close-knit small-town feel.
Population:
12,221
Density:
370 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
3.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palmer, MA?
Palmer offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $264,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment around $1,080. Utility and healthcare costs are slightly higher than the national average, but overall expenses remain manageable for most households. State taxes range from 5% to 9%, making it accessible for families and individuals alike.
Median House Value:
$264,000
Gross Rent:
$1,080
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,275
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,735
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$615
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
101.3
Grocery:
105.5
Housing:
93.6
Utilities:
107.5
Transportation:
99.4
Health Care:
109.8
Miscellaneous:
98.1
Crime
Is Palmer, MA a safe place to live?
Palmer maintains a low violent crime rate of 173 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. The chance of experiencing property crime is about 1 in 67, which is lower than many larger cities. Residents can feel secure in this close-knit community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
173
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,489
Crime Index:
1,662
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 578
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 67
Weather
What is the weather like in Palmer, MA year-round?
Residents in Palmer experience classic New England weather, with cold winters averaging lows of 18°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The town gets about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 53% of the year. Seasonal changes bring a vibrant range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Palmer’s households enjoy a median income of $65,800, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma and 22.6% possessing a bachelor's degree or higher. The community has a low poverty rate of 9.4% and a typical commute time of 28 minutes, offering a balanced lifestyle with affordable living. Public transportation use is limited, emphasizing the town's suburban and family-friendly atmosphere.
Median Income:
$38,400
Household Income:
$65,800
Family Income:
$77,200
Per Capita Income:
$33,350
Income Male:
$48,200
Income Female:
$37,900
Poverty Rate:
9.4%
Non English Speakers:
6.7%
Rent:
$1,080
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
28.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.3%
Bachelors or More:
22.6%
Education
How are the schools in Palmer, MA?
Palmer offers solid educational opportunities with public schools featuring favorable student-teacher ratios around 13:1 and a nearby private school option. The town is also close to higher education institutions, including Springfield Technical Community College and Western New England University, both within a 21-mile drive. This makes Palmer a practical choice for families prioritizing education.
Public Schools
Name:
Palmer High School
Street:
4105 Main St
Phone:
413-283-6511
Students:
440
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.4
Name:
Old Mill Pond Elementary School
Street:
2 Old Mill Pond Rd
Phone:
413-283-2651
Students:
680
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Thomas the Apostle School
Street:
75 Pine St
Phone:
413-283-2411
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Springfield Technical Community College
City:
Springfield
State:
MA
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
6,000
Name:
Western New England University
City:
Springfield
State:
MA
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Healthcare in Palmer is well-supported by Baystate Wing Hospital, providing general and emergency services locally. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 95% health insurance coverage, the community benefits from accessible and reliable medical care. The healthcare index shows costs are below the national average, adding to the area's appeal.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Baystate Wing Hospital
Address:
40 Wright St, Palmer, MA 01069
Phone:
(413) 283-7651
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
81.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palmer, MA?
Palmer’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $264,000 and an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,080. About two-thirds of residents own their homes, and the area sees low vacancy and foreclosure rates. Home values have appreciated modestly over the past year, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$264,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,080
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Palmer residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, with comprehensive services available online or at the main office in Boston. The RMV provides essential resources for driver licensing, vehicle registration, and title services. Convenient access ensures residents can manage all motor vehicle needs efficiently.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
100 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02114
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
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.