Median Income
$42,188
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$108,000
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
173/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Garden Prairie Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population560
Median Age43.7 yrs
Density875/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$42,188
Per Capita$16,608
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,975M
Commute42 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$108,000
Ownership85.4%
Zillow$311,670
Housing Units100
Rent Burden28.6%
Crime
F
Violent173/100K
Property933/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking16.3%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation780 ft (238 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+89.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.11
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Commute42 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations8
Libraries2
Is Garden Prairie a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garden Prairie receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times. Garden Prairie offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garden Prairie is $42,188, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garden Prairie is $108,000, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Garden Prairie is below the national average at 173 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 933 per 100,000, 52% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Garden Prairie experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches, including 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Garden Prairie has a population of 560 with a density of 875 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 43.7 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.9% female and 61.1% male. The city is predominantly White (88.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 27.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.7yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Garden Prairie 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 Prairie vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Garden Prairie is $42,188, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,608 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 880 business establishments, including 75 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Garden Prairie vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,188 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,608 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,138 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 880 |
| County GDP | $1,975M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 75 |
| Healthcare | 70 |
| Retail | 90 |
| Manufacturing | 68 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,648 |
| 147% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 41.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Garden Prairie is $108,000, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $311,670, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 100 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $8,648 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.6% 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 | $108,000 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $311,670 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.6% |
| Housing Units | 100 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,648 |
| 147% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.01% |
In Garden Prairie, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 20.2% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,899. The dentist ratio is 1:2,658. 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garden Prairie vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.5% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,899 |
| Dentists | 1:2,658 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,217 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 59.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,935/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 70 |
Garden Prairie has a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 933 per 100,000, 52% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Garden Prairie receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Garden Prairie vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 173.4/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 933.5/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 40 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Garden Prairie experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches. The area receives 30.8 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 780 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 780 ft (238 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 875/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2536°N, 88.7129°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Boone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
90 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
36 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
84 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
89 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
68 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
30 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
34 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
634 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 114 fatalities, 2,231 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
71 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
65 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
88 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
98 km |
33 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
18 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
38 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
28 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: IBSP SOUTH F1 RX (690 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
76 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
79 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Garden Prairie has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Garden Prairie. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,248 |
| Toddler | $960 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $804 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Prairie
What is the population of Garden Prairie?
Garden Prairie has a population of 560 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 875 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38.9% female and 61.1% male.
Is Garden Prairie expensive to live in?
Garden Prairie has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $42,188, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $108,000 (62% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Garden Prairie safe?
Garden Prairie is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 933 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Garden Prairie receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Garden Prairie?
Garden Prairie has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches, with 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Garden Prairie?
The job market in Garden Prairie is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 880 business establishments in the area, including 75 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 42 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garden Prairie?
The median home value in Garden Prairie is $108,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $311,670. The homeownership rate is 85.4%. The average annual property tax is $8,648.
How are the schools in Garden Prairie?
Schools in Garden Prairie score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Garden Prairie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garden Prairie?
The obesity rate in Garden Prairie is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 10.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,899.
What is transportation like in Garden Prairie?
The average commute in Garden Prairie is 42 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garden Prairie?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garden Prairie is 88.2% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 27.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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