Median Income
$118,750
58% higher than US avg
Home Value
$243,800
14% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
181/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.2%
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.2%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Gardner Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population76
Median Age36.4 yrs
Density152/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans54.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$118,750
Per Capita$45,614
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$246M
Commute39 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$243,800
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$332,539
Housing Units38
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent181/100K
Property1,753/100K
Health
Obesity32.2%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking11.0%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease4.0%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain24.7 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation889 ft (271 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.2%
High School+90.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute39 min
Broadband31.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Gardner a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gardner receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. 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 $118,750, which is significantly higher than the national average / 58% above $75,149. This places Gardner among higher-income communities. 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 39 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gardner is $243,800, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Gardner is below the national average at 181 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,753 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
30.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Gardner has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.7 inches, including 40.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Gardner has a population of 76 with a density of 152 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 36.4 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.6% female and 43.4% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 54.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.4yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in Gardner is $118,750, which is 58% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,614 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $939, 34% 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 259 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 18.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $118,750 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,614 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $939 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,820 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 259 |
| County GDP | $246M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,057 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 38.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 18.4% |
The median home value in Gardner is $243,800, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $332,539, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 38 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $2,057 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $243,800 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $332,539 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 38 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,057 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.84% |
In Gardner, 32.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.0% of residents, below the national average. 24.9% have high blood pressure. 11.0% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 23.7% report binge drinking. 15.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.9% report depression. 12.8% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:1,594. 40.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gardner vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.2% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.9% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 3.9% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 2.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.0% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.2% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 12.8% |
| Physical Distress | 9.0% |
| Short Sleep | 29.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.2% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,594 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,329 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,593/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Gardner has a violent crime rate of 181 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,753 per 100,000, 11% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 180.8/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,753.3/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gardner has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. The area gets 276 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 24.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 40.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 889 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.1°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 889 ft (271 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 152/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.1445°N, 96.9686°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Norman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.7"
35% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.50"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
528 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 235 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
40 km |
10 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
72 km |
2 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OXCART (12,538 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
90 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,420 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
4 SQUARE MILE RX |
2,320 |
84 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,092 |
80 km |
| 2010 |
NELSON PRAIRIE MIDDLE WPA |
1,779 |
85 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
GRAVEL PIT |
1,468 |
81 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
78 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
81 km |
| 2010 |
BEJOU WMA |
1,270 |
80 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,270 |
78 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
47 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
50 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
51 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
59 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
50 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
78 km |
| 1999 |
HELLIKSEN |
993 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Gardner has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 8°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.5").
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) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardner
What is the population of Gardner?
Gardner has a population of 76 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 152 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.6% female and 43.4% male.
Is Gardner expensive to live in?
Gardner is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $118,750, 58% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $243,800 (14% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gardner safe?
Gardner is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 181 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,753 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.7 inches, with 40.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
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 $939. There are 259 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 39 minutes, and 18.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gardner?
The median home value in Gardner is $243,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $332,539. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,057.
How are the schools in Gardner?
Schools in Gardner score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.2% of adults in Gardner hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gardner?
The obesity rate in Gardner is 32.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.0% of adults are smokers. 15.2% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 40.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Gardner?
The average commute in Gardner is 39 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 18.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gardner?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gardner is 98.7% White. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 54.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
