Median Income
$77,222
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$154,500
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
197/100K
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.8%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.1%
97% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.7%
22% lower than US avg
How Garden City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population228
Median Age49.0 yrs
Density127/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans15.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$77,222
Per Capita$35,679
Unemployment7.1%
Poverty9.7%
County GDP$5,641M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$154,500
Rent$850
Ownership91.3%
Zillow$269,098
Housing Units108
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent197/100K
Property986/100K
Health
Obesity35.2%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking15.5%
Depression28.2%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain33.9 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation910 ft (277 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.8%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score6.46
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute22 min
Broadband92.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries3
Is Garden City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garden City receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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 above-average unemployment. Garden City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garden City is $77,222, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 9.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garden City is $154,500, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Garden City is below the national average at 197 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 986 per 100,000, 50% below the national average.
Education
13.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Garden City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.9 inches, including 38.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Garden City has a population of 228 with a density of 127 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 49.0 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 15.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.0yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Garden City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Garden City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Garden City is $77,222, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,679. The average weekly wage is $1,096, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,150 business establishments, including 171 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Garden City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,222 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,679 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,190 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.1% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,150 |
| County GDP | $5,641M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 171 |
| Healthcare | 317 |
| Retail | 276 |
| Manufacturing | 81 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,631 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.3% |
The median home value in Garden City is $154,500, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $269,098, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 108 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $4,631 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $154,500 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $269,098 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.7% |
| Housing Units | 108 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,631 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.00% |
In Garden City, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 28.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,083. The dentist ratio is 1:1,071. 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garden City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 29.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,083 |
| Dentists | 1:1,071 |
| Mental Health | 1:197 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 64.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,843/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 317 |
Garden City has a violent crime rate of 197 per 100,000 residents, 48% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 986 per 100,000, 50% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 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 | 197.2/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 986.2/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 28 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Garden City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 270 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 33.9 inches. The area receives 38.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 910 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 910 ft (277 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 127/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0478°N, 94.1707°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Blue Earth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.9"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
21 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
547 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 30 fatalities, 657 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
80 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
59 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
88 km |
3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
26 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
26 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1953 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
59 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
78 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
9 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Garden City has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February 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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
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 228 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 127 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Garden City expensive to live in?
Garden City has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $77,222, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $154,500 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Garden City safe?
Garden City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 197 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 986 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.9 inches, with 38.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Garden City?
The unemployment rate in Garden City is 7.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,096. There are 2,150 business establishments in the area, including 171 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 8.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garden City?
The median home value in Garden City is $154,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $269,098. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,631.
How are the schools in Garden City?
Schools in Garden City score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.8% of adults in Garden City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garden City?
The obesity rate in Garden City is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 28.2% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,083.
What is transportation like in Garden City?
The average commute in Garden City is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garden City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garden City is 95.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 15.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
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