Cost of Living in Palmerton, PA
Population 5,624 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Palmerton can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $162,000 against $71,471 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 15 miles northwest of Allentown, Palmerton falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Allentown's $189,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Palmerton
The median home value in Palmerton is $161,500 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $913/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,471/year is 4% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 63.3°F and lows of 42.8°F, with about 33.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Palmerton has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.
Palmerton has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38 | 42 | 51 | 63 | 74 | 82 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 66 | 54 | 43 |
| Low °F | 22 | 23 | 31 | 40 | 51 | 60 | 65 | 63 | 55 | 44 | 34 | 27 |
| Precip" | 3.30 | 2.77 | 3.63 | 3.67 | 3.65 | 4.40 | 5.30 | 4.56 | 4.84 | 4.14 | 3.24 | 3.86 |
| Snow" | 9.8 | 10.8 | 6.3 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 4.6 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Palmerton, PA?
Palmerton has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Palmerton, PA?
The median gross rent in Palmerton is $913 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Palmerton?
The median home value in Palmerton is $161,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Palmerton?
The median household income in Palmerton is $71,471 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Palmerton, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Palmerton is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Palmerton, PA affordable?
Yes, Palmerton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Palmerton?
Palmerton has average high temperatures of 63.3°F and average lows of 42.8°F. Annual precipitation is 47.4". Average annual snowfall is 33.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Palmerton at a Glance
- Population
- 5,624
- Median Income
- $71,471
- Home Value
- $161,500
- Median Rent
- $913/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Pennsylvania Rankings
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