The district encompasses approximately 56 square miles (150 km2).

[2] The educational attainment levels for the Palmerton Area School District population (25 years old and over) were 85% high school graduates and 14% college graduates.

According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 38.9% of the district's pupils lived at 185% or below the Federal Poverty Level[4] as shown by their eligibility for the federal free or reduced price school meal programs in 2012.

[5] In 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, reported that less than 10 students in the Palmerton Area School District were homeless.

High school students may choose to attend the Carbon Career & Technical Institute for training in the construction and mechanical trades.