Median Income
$49,000
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$67,500
76% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
145/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.6%
92% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.2%
47% higher than US avg
How Garber Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population129
Median Age39.9 yrs
Density561/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans89.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,000
Per Capita$20,747
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty18.2%
County GDP$1,177M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$67,500
Ownership76.8%
Zillow$142,422
Housing Units70
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent145/100K
Property1,114/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking19.2%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation668 ft (204 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.6%
High School+75.3%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.52
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute31 min
Broadband56.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries9
Is Garber a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garber receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Garber has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garber is $49,000, 35% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 18.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garber is $67,500, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Garber is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 145 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,114 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
2.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Garber experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.3 inches, including 34.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Garber has a population of 129 with a density of 561 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 39.9 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.6% female and 57.4% male. The city is predominantly White (99.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 89.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.9yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Garber is $49,000, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,747 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $987, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 614 business establishments, including 53 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,000 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,747 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $987 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,538 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.2% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 614 |
| County GDP | $1,177M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 53 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 88 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,527 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Garber is $67,500, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,422, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 70 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,527. 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $67,500 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $142,422 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.2% |
| Housing Units | 70 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,527 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.23% |
In Garber, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 19.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.3% report binge drinking. 28.5% are physically inactive. 20.5% report depression. 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,428. The dentist ratio is 1:2,128. 61.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garber vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.2% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.5% |
| Depression | 20.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,428 |
| Dentists | 1:2,128 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,242 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.8% |
| Dental Visits | 53.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,442/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
Garber has a violent crime rate of 145 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,114 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Garber receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Garber vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 145.3/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,114.1/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Garber experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.3 inches. The area receives 34.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 668 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 668 ft (204 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 561/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7442°N, 91.2607°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clayton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Monticello Regional (MXO)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.3"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
511 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 9 fatalities, 342 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
55 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
25 km |
2 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
35°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Garber has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Garber. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $692 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $447 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garber
What is the population of Garber?
Garber has a population of 129 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 561 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.9 years. The population is 42.6% female and 57.4% male.
Is Garber expensive to live in?
Garber is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,000, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $67,500 (76% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Garber safe?
Garber is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 145 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,114 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Garber receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Garber?
Garber has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.3 inches, with 34.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Garber?
Garber has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $987. There are 614 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garber?
The median home value in Garber is $67,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,422. The homeownership rate is 76.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,527.
How are the schools in Garber?
Schools in Garber score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.6% of adults in Garber hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.3% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garber?
The obesity rate in Garber is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.2% of adults are smokers. 28.5% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 61.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,428.
What is transportation like in Garber?
The average commute in Garber is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garber?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garber is 99.2% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 89.0% of the population are military veterans. 31.4% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
