Median Income
$63,625
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$165,200
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.0%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$863
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% 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
Population1,539
Median Age36.3 yrs
Density623/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans14.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,625
Per Capita$29,471
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty0.0%
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$165,200
Rent$863
Ownership65.8%
Zillow$221,113
Housing Units775
Rent Burden22.5%
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking17.9%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain43.3 in/yr
Elevation925 ft (282 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.0%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute30 min
Broadband87.8%
EV Stations1
Is Garden City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garden City receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include 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 $63,625, 15% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garden City is $165,200, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $863 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.
Education
8.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Garden City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.3 inches, including 14.6 inches of snow.
Garden City has a population of 1,539 with a density of 623 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 36.3 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (89.9%), with 2.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 14.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,539
Total Population
2023 Census
36.3yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Garden City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Garden City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Garden City is $63,625, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,471 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Garden City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,625 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,471 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Garden City is $165,200, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $221,113, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $863 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 775 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. 22.5% 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 | $165,200 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $221,113 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $863 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.2% |
| Housing Units | 775 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
In Garden City, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Garden City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 58.5% |
Food & Exercise
Garden City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.3 inches. The area receives 14.6 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 925 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.2°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 925 ft (282 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 623/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5610°N, 94.1913°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Sedalia Regional (DMO)
56 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.3"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.73"
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
23 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
129 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
103 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
74 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
45 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
494 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 346 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
79 km |
2 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
34 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
19 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,763 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,089 |
40 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,840 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
54 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,356 |
88 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,305 |
63 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,282 |
81 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,045 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
940 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
938 |
89 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
860 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
840 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
802 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
REYNOLDS HOLLOW |
728 |
84 km |
| 2006 |
SALT CREEK MARSH |
720 |
69 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
644 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
636 |
64 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
624 |
61 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
515 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Garden City has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.7") and January the driest (1.6").
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) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden City
What is the population of Garden City?
Garden City has a population of 1,539 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 623 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Garden City expensive to live in?
Garden City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $63,625, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $165,200 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $863 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.
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 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 43.3 inches, with 14.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Garden City?
Garden City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garden City?
The median home value in Garden City is $165,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $221,113. For renters, the median monthly rent is $863. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.8%.
How are the schools in Garden City?
Schools in Garden City score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.0% of adults in Garden City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garden City?
The obesity rate in Garden City is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Garden City?
The average commute in Garden City is 30 minutes. 83.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garden City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garden City is 89.9% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 14.7% of the population are military veterans. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.