Median Income
$92,579
23% higher than US avg
Home Value
$276,000
2% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
144/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.3%
4% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,296
11% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.2%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.7%
54% lower than US avg
How Gardner Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population24,020
Median Age31.3 yrs
Density1,649/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$92,579
Per Capita$36,710
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty5.7%
County GDP$67,012M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$276,000
Rent$1,296
Ownership67.3%
Zillow$350,315
Housing Units8,327
Rent Burden26.5%
Crime
F
Violent144/100K
Property787/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault108/100K
Burglary31/100K
Health
Obesity34.2%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking13.5%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain37.5 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,065 ft (325 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.3%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+9.9%
School Score7.01
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 53%
Commute23 min
Broadband95.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries16
Is Gardner a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gardner receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Gardner offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gardner is $92,579, 23% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gardner is $276,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,296 per month. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Gardner is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 787 per 100,000, 60% below the national average.
Education
32.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 7/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Gardner experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Gardner has a population of 24,020 with a density of 1,649 people per square mile, spread across 10.2 square miles. The median age is 31.3 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (79.8%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 7.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.6% of residents, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 9.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.3yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.6%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.4%
30% below US avg
The median household income in Gardner is $92,579, which is 23% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,710. The average weekly wage is $1,444. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 30,095 business establishments, including 1,287 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.5% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $92,579 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,710 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,444 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $129,458 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.7% |
| 54% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 30,095 |
| County GDP | $67,012M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,287 |
| Healthcare | 2,293 |
| Retail | 1,816 |
| Manufacturing | 418 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,419 |
| 112% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.5% |
The median home value in Gardner is $276,000, 2% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $350,315, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,296 (11% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 8,327 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2001. The average annual property tax is $7,419 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $276,000 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $350,315 |
| Median List Price | $350,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $350,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $204 |
| Homes Sold | 25 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 28.6% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,296 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,518 |
| Rent Burden | 26.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.7% |
| Housing Units | 8,327 |
| Median Year Built | 2001 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,419 |
| 112% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.69% |
In Gardner, 34.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 18.3% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 20.8% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:842. The dentist ratio is 1:1,120. 98.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
12.7
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
13.1
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
7.1
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
2.8
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
156.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Gardner vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:842 |
| Dentists | 1:1,120 |
| Mental Health | 1:315 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 68.8% |
| Premature Death | 4,977/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 98.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,293 |
Gardner has a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 108.0 per 100,000, robbery at 13.5, rape at 22.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 787 per 100,000, 60% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 670, burglary at 31, vehicle theft at 85 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 31 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 | 144.0/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 22.5/100K |
| Robbery | 13.5/100K |
| Assault | 108.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 787.3/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| Burglary | 31.5/100K |
| Theft | 670.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 85.5/100K |
| Arson | 9.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 31 |
| Traffic Accidents | 288 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gardner experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 302 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 37.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,065 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.1°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,065 ft (325 m) |
| Area | 10.2 sq mi (26.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,649/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.8115°N, 94.9292°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Johnson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrence Regional (LWC) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.5"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.63"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0484 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 94.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very High |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 4, 2015.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
92 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
81 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
38 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
585 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 96 fatalities, 1,181 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
87 km |
16 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
64 km |
44 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
30 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
45 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
83 km |
3 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 345 (2,430 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
345 |
2,430 |
96 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,010 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
70 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,575 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
KENNEDY CREEK EAST |
1,207 |
97 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,097 |
66 km |
| 2008 |
KENNEDY CREEK EAST |
1,091 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
CRAWFORD |
1,015 |
87 km |
| 2019 |
EAST KENNEDY CREEK |
1,004 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Gardner has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 30°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.6") and February the driest (1.2").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $969 |
| Toddler | $923 |
| Preschool | $792 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $700 |
| Toddler | $584 |
| Preschool | $584 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardner
What is the population of Gardner?
Gardner has a population of 24,020 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,649 people per square mile, spread across 10.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Gardner expensive to live in?
Gardner is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $92,579, 23% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $276,000 (2% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,296 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gardner safe?
Gardner is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 787 per 100,000 (below 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Gardner?
Gardner has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,444. There are 30,095 business establishments in the area, including 1,287 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 13.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gardner?
The median home value in Gardner is $276,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $350,315. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,296. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.3%. The average annual property tax is $7,419.
How are the schools in Gardner?
Schools in Gardner perform well, with an average test score of 7 out of 10 / above the national benchmark. 32.3% of adults in Gardner hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 9.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gardner?
The obesity rate in Gardner is 34.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 98.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:842.
What is transportation like in Gardner?
The average commute in Gardner is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gardner?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gardner is 79.8% White, 7.1% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 90.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 9.7% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.