Median Income
$72,511
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$186,200
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
490/100K
29% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.7%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$990
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
40% lower than US avg
How Garden City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population27,781
Median Age32.7 yrs
Density2,478/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 51%
Veterans3.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,511
Per Capita$32,278
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty7.5%
County GDP$997M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$186,200
Rent$990
Ownership59.4%
Zillow$231,471
Housing Units10,772
Rent Burden19.8%
Crime
C
Violent490/100K
Property0/100K
Murder3.8/100K
Assault321/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured22.1%
Smoking15.5%
Depression18.0%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain19.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation2,827 ft (862 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.7%
High School+68.2%
Graduate+6.2%
School Score6.03
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute14 min
Broadband87.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
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 unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. 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 $72,511, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. Only 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garden City is $186,200, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $990 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 490 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
18.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 68.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Garden City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.6 inches, including 15.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Garden City has a population of 27,781 with a density of 2,478 people per square mile, spread across 8.8 square miles. The median age is 32.7 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.3% female and 51.7% male. The city is predominantly White (50.6%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 5.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 51.4% of residents, while 48.6% speak Spanish. 3.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 86.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.7yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Garden City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
51.4%
35% below US avg
Spanish
48.6%
263% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Garden City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Garden City is $72,511, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,278 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,000, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 310 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Garden City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,511 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,278 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,000 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,968 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.5% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 310 |
| County GDP | $997M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,767 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 2.2% |
The median home value in Garden City is $186,200, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,471, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $990 (15% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 10,772 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $4,767 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $186,200 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $231,471 |
| Median List Price | $249,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $249,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $205 |
| Homes Sold | 12 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 27.0% |
| Inventory | 74 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $990 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $817 |
| Rent Burden | 19.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.6% |
| Housing Units | 10,772 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,767 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.56% |
In Garden City, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 15.5% report binge drinking. 33.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.0% report depression. 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 22.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,644. 68.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
4.8
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
4.8
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
3.4
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.0
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
134.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Garden City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.4% |
| Depression | 18.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.1% |
| Uninsured | 22.1% |
| 157% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,644 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,743 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 53.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,692/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Garden City has a violent crime rate of 490 per 100,000 residents, 29% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 320.7 per 100,000, robbery at 41.5, rape at 124.5. The murder rate is 3.8 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,701, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 158 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Garden City receives a safety grade of C.
Crime Rates: Garden City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 490.4/100K |
| 29% above US avg |
| Murder | 3.8/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rape | 124.5/100K |
| Robbery | 41.5/100K |
| Assault | 320.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,701.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 158.4/100K |
| Arson | 15.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C |
| Safety Score | 2.0 / 5.0 |
Garden City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 19.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 15.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,827 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.5°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,827 ft (862 m) |
| Area | 8.8 sq mi (22.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,478/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9750°N, 100.8509°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Gray County County |
| Nearest Airport | Garden City Regional (GCK)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.6"
49% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.07"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 16.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| 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)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 19, 2023.
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
143 km |
| Jan 21, 2020 |
12 km NNE of Rosston, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Aug 19, 2023 |
Kansas |
M2.6 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
688 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 93 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1999 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1996 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1996 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1995 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1995 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1991 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1989 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (8,750 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
8,750 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
HODGEMAN COUNTY |
8,518 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
HASKELL COUNTY |
6,736 |
66 km |
| 2006 |
HODGEMAN WEST |
4,051 |
64 km |
| 2017 |
BLACK MONDAY |
3,376 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,162 |
87 km |
| 2017 |
2017-117 |
3,103 |
18 km |
| 2017 |
GRASSFIRES 30617 |
1,957 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
1,473 |
95 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
ARKALON |
1,229 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
SE 226 AND SE E RD |
1,146 |
99 km |
| 2023 |
ARMSTRONG |
1,128 |
52 km |
| 2016 |
BARRETT |
1,101 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
44°F (6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Garden City has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 31°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
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 27,781 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 2,478 people per square mile, spread across 8.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
Is Garden City expensive to live in?
Garden City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $72,511, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $186,200 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $990 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Garden City safe?
The violent crime rate in Garden City is 490 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Garden City receives a safety grade of C 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 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.6 inches, with 15.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Garden City?
The job market in Garden City is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,000. There are 310 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 2.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garden City?
The median home value in Garden City is $186,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,471. For renters, the median monthly rent is $990. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,767.
How are the schools in Garden City?
Schools in Garden City score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.7% of adults in Garden City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 68.2% have completed high school. 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garden City?
The obesity rate in Garden City is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 33.4% are physically inactive. 18.0% of residents report depression. 22.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 68.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,644.
What is transportation like in Garden City?
The average commute in Garden City is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garden City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garden City is 50.6% White, 5.9% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 51.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 48.6% speak Spanish. 3.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 86.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
