It is a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes and has no legal status as an incorporated municipality.

The Palmer 49871 ZIP Code serves an area slightly larger than that of the CDP.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Palmer CDP has a total area of 0.59 square miles (1.53 km2), all land.

[1] The community is drained by Warner Creek, a south-flowing tributary of the East Branch of the Escanaba River.

The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.44% White, 1.34% Native American, 0.22% Asian, and 2.00% from two or more races.

[12][13] The radio station WRUP/98.3 changed its CDP of license from Munising to Palmer in 2009, as it targets listeners in Marquette.