AreaScoop
Palmer, AK

Photo: Wikipedia

Palmer, AK

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Demographics

Predominantly WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 49
Population6,141
Foreign Born1.0%
Population Density1,211people per mi²
Median Age32.9 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
StableSince 2010, this city has held a relatively stable population and racial composition.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
B+
Good

Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.

Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.

Cost of Living

98/100

2% below national average

A

The Real Cost of Living in Palmer, Alaska

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $18k$34k
Comfortable $54k$79k
Luxury $113k+$175k+
Elite (Top 5%) $133k+$206k+
Affordability Ratio

90%

The Hood Index™

A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.

A-
Hood Index scan area
Premium Lean78%
RisksNeutralGrowth
Premium
18
Positive
18
Poor
7
Negative
2

Groceries

4 within 10 miles

0.3mi

Gas

0 within 10 miles

Hospital

3 within 20 miles

5.3mi

Airport

Palmer Municipal Airport PAQ

1mi

Post Office

USPS — Wasilla, AK

10.8mi

Critical Amenities

Country Clubs

Nearest private club or country club.

Golf2Nearest 1.4 mi
Camping20Nearest 7.4 mi
Marina0 
Winery0 
Ice Rink0Nearest 24 mi
Gun Range9Nearest 3.3 mi

Affluence Level

Overall Affluence Grade
D+
Soft

A below-average socioeconomic profile. Incomes, home values, and educational attainment trail the U.S., with higher poverty and unemployment.

Median HHI
$71k+2.4%
6% below US avg
Est. Avg Net Worth
$375k
43% below US avg
College Educated
23.8%
32% below US avg
WFH
6.2%
57% below US avg
Homeownership
62.4%
5% below US avg
Median Home
$276k
2% below US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
A-
Very Safe

Lower crime rates than 78% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
15.3
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
+15.9%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr+8.0%
Homicide
0.00 / 1k Residents100% below state avg
Robbery
0.00 / 1k Residents100% below state avg
Aggravated Assault
1.76 / 1k Residents66% below state avg

Property Crime

5yr+23.8%
Burglary
0.73 / 1k Residents71% below state avg
Larceny-Theft
10.72 / 1k Residents21% below state avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
1.91 / 1k Residents31% below state avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: R+6Leans Conservative

District shown is the primary district for this city’s centroid. Cities may span multiple districts.

Presidential Voting Trends for Palmer, Alaska
Dem Rep
20%30%40%50%60%70%2000200420082012201620202024

Inherited from parent state — no local data available.

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
A-
High Autonomy

Strong independent fundamentals that actively favor personal liberty and low regulation.

State Policy

Tax Burden
A+
Great4.6% of income
Property Rights
C
FairIJ Grade C
Firearm Rights
A
GreatFPC Grade A
Homeschooling
A+
GreatNo notice required

Energy independence: Net exporter (350% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
A+
Fully OpenRetail sales legal
Gambling Laws
F
ProhibitedTribal · Poker · Betting
Marijuana Laws
A+
Fully LegalRecreational

Homesteading

Hardiness Zone5A~-17°F min
Growing Season154 days190 frost-free
Annual Rainfall37.6"
Elevation243 ft

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
C+
Exposed

Meaningful friction. Expect exposure to either population pressure, blast zones, or natural disaster risk. Consider buying a retreat property.

Strategic Pillars

City Proximity
A
Great37 mi to nearest major city
Pop. Density
C-
Weak1,211/sq mi
Fallout Danger
D+
Poor13 within ~30 mi
Natural Disaster
F
PoorEarthquake
Border / Coast
A+
Greatborder 1213 mi · coast 1214 mi
FEMA Expected Loss$161.0M/yrfor the county

Key Distances

Nearest Major CityAnchorage291k people are 37 mi away
Nearest Major AirportNo hub airport within 50 mi
Distance to State Capital556 miJuneau, AK
Nearest Prison0.3 mi2 within 25 mi

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-19T19:34:10.000Z

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