Median Income
$35,250
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$80,000
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
201/100K
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.0%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.2%
47% higher than US avg
How Garden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population163
Median Age45.3 yrs
Density196/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$35,250
Per Capita$29,236
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty18.2%
County GDP$1,635M
Commute66 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$80,000
Rent$775
Ownership71.6%
Zillow$214,459
Housing Units112
Rent Burden22.2%
Crime
F
Violent201/100K
Property1,974/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking17.0%
Depression30.3%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.1 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation586 ft (179 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.0%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+10.9%
School Score5.06
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute66 min
Broadband81.0%
Libraries2
Is Garden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garden 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, long commute times. Garden has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garden is $35,250, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 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 66 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garden is $80,000, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Garden is below the national average at 201 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,974 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Garden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Garden has a population of 163 with a density of 196 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 45.3 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (74.8%), with 12.3% Hispanic, 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.6% of residents, while 13.4% speak Spanish. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.3yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.6%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.4%
0% below US avg
The median household income in Garden is $35,250, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,236 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $923, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (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 1,044 business establishments, including 94 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 66 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,250 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,236 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $923 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,757 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.2% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,044 |
| County GDP | $1,635M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 94 |
| Healthcare | 91 |
| Retail | 157 |
| Manufacturing | 69 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,676 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 66.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Garden is $80,000, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,459, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 112 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $4,676 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $80,000 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $214,459 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.4% |
| Housing Units | 112 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,676 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.85% |
In Garden, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.5% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 30.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,228. The dentist ratio is 1:1,531. 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 30.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,228 |
| Dentists | 1:1,531 |
| Mental Health | 1:575 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,625/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 91 |
Garden has a violent crime rate of 201 per 100,000 residents, 47% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,974 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Garden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Garden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 200.7/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,973.9/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Garden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 66°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 34.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 586 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 586 ft (179 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 196/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.7693°N, 86.5573°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Delta County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marquette/Sawyer Regional (MQT) 55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.1"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 2, 2024.
| Aug 2, 2024 |
38 km ESE of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin |
M2.9 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
33 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1992 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1984 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1972 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1964 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 2020 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2016 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1998 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Oct 5, 1997 |
EF1 |
13 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1988 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1987 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1968 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2008 |
EF0 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MARQUETTE11 (3,983 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE11 |
3,983 |
86 km |
| 1987 |
EIGHT MILE |
3,475 |
41 km |
| 2009 |
SEDGE MEADOW |
2,680 |
63 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE13 |
2,491 |
83 km |
| 2004 |
2004 MARSH CREEK |
1,977 |
58 km |
| 2011 |
8/4-8/6 M-2 NORTH |
1,918 |
68 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
1,212 |
64 km |
| 2007 |
EAST SEDGE MARSH BURNING-1 |
1,117 |
70 km |
| 1987 |
SCHOOLCRAFT7 |
943 |
84 km |
| 1994 |
H POOL |
914 |
71 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
831 |
72 km |
| 2008 |
C 3 |
658 |
67 km |
| 2006 |
MARSH LANDS 2006 RX |
635 |
70 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
58 km |
| 2019 |
DUTCH MILL |
551 |
43 km |
| 2009 |
MARSH CREEK SOUTH WEDGE |
510 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
51°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
60°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Garden has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 17°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Garden. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $622 |
| Toddler | $678 |
| Preschool | $678 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $617 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $606 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden
What is the population of Garden?
Garden has a population of 163 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 196 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Garden expensive to live in?
Garden has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $35,250, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $80,000 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Garden safe?
Garden is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 201 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,974 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Garden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Garden?
Garden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Garden?
The job market in Garden is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $923. There are 1,044 business establishments in the area, including 94 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 66 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garden?
The median home value in Garden is $80,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,459. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,676.
How are the schools in Garden?
Schools in Garden score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.0% of adults in Garden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. 10.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garden?
The obesity rate in Garden is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 30.3% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,228.
What is transportation like in Garden?
The average commute in Garden is 66 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garden is 74.8% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 12.3% Hispanic or Latino. 86.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.4% speak Spanish. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.