Median Income
$40,739
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$132,100
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
512/100K
35% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.9%
62% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
38.0%
206% higher than US avg
How Gardner Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population502
Median Age64.5 yrs
Density65/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 65%
Veterans10.1%
Economy
C+
Median Income$40,739
Per Capita$20,559
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty38.0%
County GDP$1,476M
Housing
A+
Home Value$132,100
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$273,165
Housing Units413
Rent Burden33.6%
Crime
F
Violent512/100K
Property2,598/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured19.7%
Smoking18.4%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp72°F (22°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain53.9 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation70 ft (21 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.9%
High School+73.0%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score5.16
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 22%
Broadband87.4%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Gardner a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gardner receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Gardner has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gardner is $40,739, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 38.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gardner is $132,100, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 512 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,598 per 100,000, 33% above the national average.
Education
12.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Gardner has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 72°F. Winters average 60°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Gardner has a population of 502 with a density of 65 people per square mile, spread across 7.7 square miles. The median age is 64.5 years, 66% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.6% female and 40.4% male. The city is predominantly White (65.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 73% of residents, while 27% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 36.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
64.5yrs
Median Age
66% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
73.0%
7% below US avg
Spanish
27.0%
101% above US avg
The median household income in Gardner is $40,739, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,559 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $908, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 38.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 596 business establishments, including 39 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. 64.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,739 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,559 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $908 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,719 |
| Gini Index | 0.516 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 38.0% |
| 206% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 596 |
| County GDP | $1,476M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 39 |
| Healthcare | 54 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,540 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 11.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 64.6% |
The median home value in Gardner is $132,100, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $273,165, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 413 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. The average annual property tax is $4,540 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $132,100 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $273,165 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 413 |
| Median Year Built | 1995 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,540 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.44% |
In Gardner, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.6% report binge drinking. 29.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.1% report depression. 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 19.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,356. The dentist ratio is 1:1,710. 31.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gardner vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.3% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 19.7% |
| 129% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,356 |
| Dentists | 1:1,710 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,152 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 45.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,769/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 31.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 54 |
Gardner has a violent crime rate of 512 per 100,000 residents, 35% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,598 per 100,000, 33% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gardner receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gardner vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 511.7/100K |
| 35% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,598.1/100K |
| 33% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gardner has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 72°F (22°C). Winters average 60°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 330 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 53.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 70 feet.
Temperature
60°F Jan (16°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 72.2°F |
| 34% above US avg |
| January Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 70 ft (21 m) |
| Area | 7.7 sq mi (20.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 65/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 27.3630°N, 81.7863°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Hardee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sebring Regional (SEF)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.9"
42% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
8.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
No Rating |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
23 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Milton (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 4 |
58 km |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
288 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
243 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
287 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 5 |
20 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
149 km |
| 2021 |
Elsa |
Category 1 |
164 km |
| 2020 |
Eta |
Category 1 |
273 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
297 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 4 |
19 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
204 km |
| 2005 |
Wilma |
Category 3 |
151 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 2 |
209 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
280 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
51 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
42 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
64 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
211 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
162 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
142 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
825 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 347 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 15, 1958 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1979 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Oct 31, 1958 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2019 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2017 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
EF2 |
47 km |
2 |
| Jan 9, 2016 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2012 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2006 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 1998 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Dec 27, 1997 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MOONSHINE BAY (38,664 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
MOONSHINE BAY |
38,664 |
92 km |
| 2008 |
MYAKKA CUT |
36,877 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
FROG LIGHT |
20,174 |
90 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
16,253 |
87 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
16,145 |
54 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,572 |
58 km |
| 2001 |
STAGECOACH COMPLEX |
14,079 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
KISSIMMEE BEND NORTH |
13,782 |
69 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
12,935 |
53 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
12,527 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
12,050 |
59 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,488 |
69 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
9,427 |
74 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
9,397 |
59 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
9,045 |
56 km |
| 2024 |
APQ RECREATION AREA RX 0506 |
8,901 |
71 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
8,800 |
52 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
8,794 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
ECHO SPRINGS |
8,640 |
59 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
8,516 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
60°F (16°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
63°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| March |
67°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
71°F (22°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| May |
76°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
8.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
7.7 in |
|
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
7.0 in |
Warmest |
| September |
80°F (27°C) |
6.5 in |
|
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
69°F (20°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
64°F (18°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Gardner has a seasonal temperature swing of 21°F / from 60°F in January to 82°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 49.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (8.0") and April the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Gardner. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $520 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardner
What is the population of Gardner?
Gardner has a population of 502 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 65 people per square mile, spread across 7.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 64.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.6% female and 40.4% male.
Is Gardner expensive to live in?
Gardner has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $40,739, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $132,100 (53% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gardner safe?
The violent crime rate in Gardner is 512 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,598 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Gardner receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gardner?
Gardner has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 72°F (22°C). Winter temperatures average 60°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Gardner?
The job market in Gardner is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $908. There are 596 business establishments in the area, including 39 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Gardner?
The median home value in Gardner is $132,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $273,165. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,540.
How are the schools in Gardner?
Schools in Gardner score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.9% of adults in Gardner hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.0% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gardner?
The obesity rate in Gardner is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 29.3% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 19.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 31.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,356.
What are the demographics of Gardner?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gardner is 65.1% White. 73% of residents speak only English at home, while 27% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 36.5% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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