Median Income
$36,667
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$61,100
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
29/100K
92% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
13.4%
272% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Garden City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population67
Median Age72.9 yrs
Density67/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans67.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$36,667
Per Capita$32,976
Unemployment13.4%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,142M
Commute9 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$61,100
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$239,047
Housing Units45
Rent Burden26.4%
Crime
F
Violent29/100K
Property845/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking16.4%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,201 ft (366 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute9 min
Broadband46.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Garden City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garden City receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Garden City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garden City is $36,667, 51% below the national average of $75,149. At 13.4%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garden City is $61,100, 78% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Garden City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 29 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 845 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Garden City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches, including 30.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Garden City has a population of 67 with a density of 67 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 72.9 years, 87% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.2% female and 41.8% male. The city is predominantly White (86.6%), with 13.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents. 67.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
72.9yrs
Median Age
87% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Garden City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.4%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Garden City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Garden City is $36,667, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,976 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,040, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 13.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 650 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Garden City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,667 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,976 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,040 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,609 |
| Gini Index | 0.408 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.4% |
| 272% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 650 |
| County GDP | $1,142M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 53 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,023 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 9.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Garden City is $61,100, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,047, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 45 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,023. 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $61,100 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $239,047 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 45 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,023 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.58% |
In Garden City, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,785. The dentist ratio is 1:1,381. 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garden City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,785 |
| Dentists | 1:1,381 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,058 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,029/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 53 |
Garden City has a violent crime rate of 29 per 100,000 residents, 92% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 845 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Garden City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Garden City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 29.1/100K |
| 92% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 844.5/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Garden City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches. The area receives 30.6 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 1,201 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,201 ft (366 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 67/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2455°N, 93.3954°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hardin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.08"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
729 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 42 fatalities, 1,149 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
54 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
63 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
65 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
60 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
74 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Garden City has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Garden City. 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 | $697 |
| Toddler | $601 |
| Preschool | $601 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $458 |
| Toddler | $450 |
| Preschool | $450 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden City
What is the population of Garden City?
Garden City has a population of 67 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 67 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 72.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.2% female and 41.8% male.
Is Garden City expensive to live in?
Garden City 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 $36,667, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $61,100 (78% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Garden City safe?
Garden City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 29 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 845 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Garden City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Garden City?
Garden City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.5 inches, with 30.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Garden City?
The job market in Garden City faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,040. There are 650 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 9 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garden City?
The median home value in Garden City is $61,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,047. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,023.
How are the schools in Garden City?
Schools in Garden City score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Garden City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garden City?
The obesity rate in Garden City is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,785.
What is transportation like in Garden City?
The average commute in Garden City is 9 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garden City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garden City is 86.6% White, 13.4% Hispanic or Latino. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 67.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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