Palmer Public RecordsAlaska

As of the 2020 Census, Palmer, City in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, had a population of 5,888. The median age is about 34.6 years. The gender distribution is roughly 49% male and 51% female. Racially, the city is 73.6% White, 13.7% Native American/Alaska Native, 1.8% Asian, 1.1% Black/African American, and 10.7% identifying as two or more races; 5.4% of residents are Hispanic or Latino.

Palmer, in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK, has a homeownership rate of around 66%, with median home values near $319,000 (2023). Rental rates average $1,300/month for a two-bedroom. The housing market has seen annual appreciation of roughly 6%, driven by demand for single-family homes, townhouses, and some apartments, especially in neighborhoods like Downtown Palmer and Farm Loop. Property tax rates are approximately 1.1%, slightly below the national average. The area attracts families and professionals seeking suburban living, access to outdoor recreation, and proximity to Anchorage.

Palmer, in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK, has about 7 public schools, including Palmer High School, with a student-teacher ratio around 16:1. Approximately 93% of adults hold a high school diploma, and 27% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools here score above average on state assessments, with Palmer High’s graduation rate hovering near 85%. Adult education is available through the Mat-Su College branch of UAA. School safety scores are strong, with security measures and low incident reports, and programs span STEM, arts, and vocational training, supporting diverse educational pathways.

Palmer, located in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK, predominantly relies on private vehicles, with over 85% of residents commuting by car and a vehicle ownership rate nearing 97%. The average one-way commute is about 30 minutes, reflecting travel to Anchorage and local employment hubs such as Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and borough offices. Public transit use is minimal, typically under 1%, due to limited services. The city features well-maintained state highways (notably the Glenn Highway) and local roads, supporting commuting patterns and regional connectivity across the borough’s expanding residential and commercial zones.

Palmer, in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, is served primarily by Mat-Su Regional Medical Center (125 beds), several clinics (including primary care, behavioral health, and specialty services), and the nearby Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. The area has roughly 6,100 residents, with 83% White, 7% Alaska Native, and 5% Hispanic demographics. Common health issues include respiratory illnesses and diabetes. Around 85% of residents are insured, leaving 15% uninsured. Healthcare provider density is about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents, slightly below the national average, impacting access especially in rural outskirts.