Home Value
$46,700
83% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
262/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.1%
67% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How Garden City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population87
Median Age37.9 yrs
Density218/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans63.0%
Economy
Per Capita$20,536
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.9%
County GDP$337M
Commute41 min
Housing
Home Value$46,700
Ownership86.7%
Zillow$487,240
Housing Units29
Rent Burden18.6%
Crime
F
Violent262/100K
Property2,215/100K
Health
Obesity35.2%
Smoking15.8%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain24.4 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,848 ft (563 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.1%
High School+81.0%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute41 min
Broadband30.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries1
Is Garden City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garden City receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Garden City faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garden City is $46,700, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Garden City is below the national average at 262 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,215 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
11.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Garden City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Garden City has a population of 87 with a density of 218 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 37.9 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.2% female and 44.8% male. The city is predominantly White (98.9%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 63.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 74.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.9yrs
Median Age
3% below 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
Per capita income is $20,536 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $899, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 188 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes (longer 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
| |
| Per Capita Income | $20,536 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $899 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,140 |
| Gini Index | 0.501 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 188 |
| County GDP | $337M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 14 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 41.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Garden City is $46,700, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $487,240, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 29 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 18.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $46,700 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $487,240 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.3% |
| Housing Units | 29 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Garden City, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. The dentist ratio is 1:1,956. 36.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garden City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 74.0% |
| |
| Dentists | 1:1,956 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 69.2% |
| Premature Death | 4,614/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Garden City has a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,215 per 100,000, 13% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 262.2/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,215.4/100K |
| 13% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 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 43°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 276 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 24.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,848 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.1°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,848 ft (563 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 218/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9593°N, 97.5804°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clark County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.4"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 16, 2022.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
128 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
108 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
83 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
444 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 61 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TACOMA PARK PLACE (1,336 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
47 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
100 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
100 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
55 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
99 km |
| 1993 |
LEE |
516 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Garden City has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and December the driest (0.5").
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) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
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 87 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 218 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.9 years. The population is 55.2% female and 44.8% male.
Is Garden City expensive to live in?
Garden City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $46,700 (83% below the U.S. median).
Is Garden City safe?
Garden City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,215 per 100,000 (above 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 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Garden City?
The job market in Garden City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $899. There are 188 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 41 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 $46,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $487,240. The homeownership rate is 86.7%.
How are the schools in Garden City?
Schools in Garden City score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.1% of adults in Garden City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.0% have completed high school. 3.6% 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%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 36.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Garden City?
The average commute in Garden City is 41 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.9% 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 98.9% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 63.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.4% of residents have a disability. 74.0% have health insurance coverage.
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