Median Income
$36,667
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$61,100
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% 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%
Veterans37.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$36,667
Per Capita$32,976
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,142M
Commute9 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$61,100
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$239,047
Housing Units45
Rent Burden26.4%
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking16.4%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
Rain34.6 in/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
Broadband71.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Garden City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garden City receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Garden City stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garden City is $36,667, 51% below the national average of $75,149. 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.
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 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.6 inches, including 39.1 inches of snow.
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%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.5% of residents. 37.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
67
Total Population
2023 Census
72.9yrs
Median Age
87% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Garden City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.5%
18% 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. 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
| |
| 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 |
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. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 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 | 0.0% |
| 100% 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 experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.6 inches. The area receives 39.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,201 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
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
34.6"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.62"
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 |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Garden City has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.6") and January the driest (0.6").
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.
What is the weather like in Garden City?
Garden City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.6 inches, with 39.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Garden City?
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. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 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. 92.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 37.3% of the population are military veterans. 26.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.