Palmer city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026

Population Overview

Palmer city is a small community located in Iowa. The total population is 114. It ranks as the 838th most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.

Age Demographics

The median age in Palmer city is 52.8 years. This is 37% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. Only 7.9% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 15.8% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Palmer city is $60,625. This is 17% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 23% lower. The poverty rate stands at 31.6%. This is 187% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 3.6%. The median home value is $36,500. Housing costs are 81% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 0.6x, Palmer city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 92.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 29% higher than the state average of 71.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Palmer city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 96.5% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 1.8%. The Black or African American population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 3.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 7.0%.

Education

12.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 61% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 70.7%.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Palmer city, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,018 Census-designated places in Iowa. For official data, visit data.census.gov.