Median Income
$53,750
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$48,600
83% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
159/100K
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.4%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$535
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.2%
47% higher than US avg
How Garden Grove Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population178
Median Age48.5 yrs
Density262/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans3.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,750
Per Capita$23,937
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty18.2%
County GDP$278M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$48,600
Rent$535
Ownership89.7%
Zillow$75,072
Housing Units114
Rent Burden41.3%
Crime
F
Violent159/100K
Property1,746/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking17.9%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,115 ft (340 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.4%
High School+91.4%
Graduate+10.3%
School Score5.15
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute31 min
Broadband87.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Garden Grove a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garden Grove receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Garden Grove has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garden Grove is $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. The poverty rate of 18.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garden Grove is $48,600, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $535 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Garden Grove is below the national average at 159 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Garden Grove experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches, including 28.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Garden Grove has a population of 178 with a density of 262 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 48.5 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly White (98.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 3.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 27.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.5yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Garden Grove vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Garden Grove vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Garden Grove is $53,750, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,937 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $827, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 224 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Garden Grove vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,750 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,937 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $827 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,793 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.2% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 224 |
| County GDP | $278M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,429 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 9.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 96.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Garden Grove is $48,600, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $75,072, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $535 (54% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 114 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $4,429 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 41.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $48,600 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $75,072 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $535 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 41.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.3% |
| Housing Units | 114 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,429 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 9.11% |
In Garden Grove, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.7% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,829. The dentist ratio is 1:1,537. 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garden Grove vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,829 |
| Dentists | 1:1,537 |
| Mental Health | 1:365 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,258/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Garden Grove has a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 residents, 58% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,746 per 100,000, 11% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Garden Grove receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Garden Grove vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 158.7/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,745.7/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Garden Grove experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.3 inches. The area receives 28.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,115 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.6°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,115 ft (340 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 262/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8267°N, 93.6069°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Decatur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.3"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
119 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
535 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 196 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
67 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
58 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
23 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1960 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (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 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Garden Grove has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Garden Grove. 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 | $659 |
| Toddler | $568 |
| Preschool | $568 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $426 |
| Preschool | $426 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Grove
What is the population of Garden Grove?
Garden Grove has a population of 178 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 262 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Garden Grove expensive to live in?
Garden Grove 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 $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $48,600 (83% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $535 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Garden Grove safe?
Garden Grove is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Garden Grove receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Garden Grove?
Garden Grove has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches, with 28.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Garden Grove?
The job market in Garden Grove is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $827. There are 224 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garden Grove?
The median home value in Garden Grove is $48,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $75,072. For renters, the median monthly rent is $535. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,429.
How are the schools in Garden Grove?
Schools in Garden Grove score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.4% of adults in Garden Grove hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. 10.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garden Grove?
The obesity rate in Garden Grove is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,829.
What is transportation like in Garden Grove?
The average commute in Garden Grove is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 96.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garden Grove?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garden Grove is 98.3% White. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 3.4% of the population are military veterans. 27.9% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
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