Median Income
$141,250
88% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.6%
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
24.0%
25% lower than US avg
Unemployment
24.1%
569% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Garey Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population38
Median Age56.5 yrs
Density30/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$141,250
Per Capita$71,884
Unemployment24.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$41,425M
Commute31 min
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$646,468
Housing Units25
Rent Burden33.4%
Health
Obesity24.0%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking9.6%
Depression24.9%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI49 (Good)
Rain13.3 in/yr
Elevation386 ft (118 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+10.4%
School Score4.54
Community
2024 VoteR 35% / D 62%
Commute31 min
Broadband86.4%
EV Stations57
Libraries20
Is Garey a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garey receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Garey offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garey is $141,250, which is significantly higher than the national average / 88% above $75,149. This places Garey among higher-income communities. At 24.1%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Education
20.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Garey enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 13.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49.
Garey has a population of 38 with a density of 30 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 56.5 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (92.1%), with 15.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 84.2% of residents, while 9.6% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38
Total Population
2023 Census
56.5yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
84.2%
7% above US avg
Spanish
9.6%
28% below US avg
The median household income in Garey is $141,250, which is 88% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $71,884 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,340. The unemployment rate is 24.1% (above 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 17,497 business establishments, including 1,253 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $141,250 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $71,884 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,340 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $108,768 |
| Gini Index | 0.489 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 24.1% |
| 569% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 17,497 |
| County GDP | $41,425M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,253 |
| Healthcare | 1,508 |
| Retail | 1,476 |
| Manufacturing | 521 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,996 |
| 214% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $646,468. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 25 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $10,996 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 25 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,996 |
| 214% above US avg |
In Garey, 24.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). 25.7% have high blood pressure. 9.6% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.1% report binge drinking. 16.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 10.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,305. The dentist ratio is 1:1,093. 92.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garey vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 24.0% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.7% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 4.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.6% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.9% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.5% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,305 |
| Dentists | 1:1,093 |
| Mental Health | 1:150 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.1% |
| Dental Visits | 67.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,123/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,508 |
Garey enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. Annual precipitation totals 13.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49. 53% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 386 feet.
Temperature
53°F Jan (12°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 58.6°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 386 ft (118 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 30/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.8858°N, 120.3138°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Santa Barbara County County |
| Nearest Airport | San Luis Obispo County Regional (SBP) 27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.3"
65% below US avg
Wettest Month (Feb)
2.85"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 49.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 52.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 2 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0360 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 1.5 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.27 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.08 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 99.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very High |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Tsunami |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,483 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 21, 2025.
| Sep 28, 2004 |
2004 Parkfield, California Earthquake |
M6.0 |
104 km |
| Apr 5, 2018 |
31km SW of Santa Cruz Is. (E end), CA |
M5.3 |
130 km |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
24 km SW of Lamont, CA |
M5.2 |
114 km |
| Sep 17, 1991 |
22 km NW of San Simeon, California |
M5.2 |
138 km |
| May 28, 1993 |
21km SW of Lamont, California |
M5.2 |
114 km |
| Aug 20, 2023 |
7 km SE of Ojai, CA |
M5.1 |
116 km |
| Sep 29, 2004 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M5.0 |
120 km |
| Dec 20, 1994 |
3 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.9 |
116 km |
| Sep 30, 2004 |
13 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.9 |
124 km |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
6km SSW of Wasco, CA |
M4.9 |
112 km |
| Nov 14, 1993 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.8 |
120 km |
| May 29, 2013 |
6km W of Isla Vista, CA |
M4.8 |
64 km |
| Sep 28, 2004 |
12 km SE of Parkfield, California |
M4.7 |
102 km |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
25 km SW of Lamont, CA |
M4.6 |
112 km |
| Apr 16, 2005 |
20km ESE of Maricopa, CA |
M4.6 |
103 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 |
9 km WSW of Oak Shores, California |
M4.5 |
117 km |
| May 16, 2005 |
5 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.5 |
117 km |
| Aug 6, 2012 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.5 |
120 km |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
22 km NW of Grapevine, CA |
M4.4 |
116 km |
| Dec 24, 2000 |
9km WSW of Grapevine, CA |
M4.4 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
13 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 7, 2024 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2024 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1991 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jan 3, 1977 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 2023 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2015 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jan 19, 2010 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 2006 |
EF0 |
31 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 2004 |
EF0 |
37 km |
0 |
| Nov 29, 2001 |
EF0 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1998 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1994 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1991 |
EF0 |
29 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.4 m (11 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1812 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
3.4 m |
1 |
85 km |
| 1927 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.8 m |
- |
43 km |
| 1878 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Meteorological |
1.0 m |
1 |
50 km |
| 1901 |
MONTEREY BAY, N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
- |
125 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ZACA (241,846 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
ZACA |
241,846 |
63 km |
| 1985 |
WHEELER 2 |
126,854 |
97 km |
| 1996 |
FIFTY-EIGHT |
94,704 |
49 km |
| 2009 |
LA BREA |
84,213 |
27 km |
| 1985 |
LAS PILITAS |
75,841 |
48 km |
| 1997 |
LOGAN |
49,627 |
32 km |
| 1994 |
41 |
48,441 |
66 km |
| 1997 |
LOKERN |
46,139 |
88 km |
| 1993 |
MARRE |
44,309 |
37 km |
| 2016 |
REY |
33,323 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
ALAMO |
29,256 |
9 km |
| 1993 |
ORCHARD |
22,309 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
WHITTIER CA-LBOR-001770 |
18,510 |
51 km |
| 2021 |
ALISAL |
17,677 |
48 km |
| 1999 |
SPANISH |
14,518 |
34 km |
| 2006 |
PERKINS |
14,342 |
57 km |
| 2024 |
HURRICANE |
13,488 |
69 km |
| 2016 |
CANYON |
12,749 |
41 km |
| 1989 |
CHISPA |
9,869 |
66 km |
| 2008 |
GAP |
9,368 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
62°F (16°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
0.0 in |
|
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
0.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
Garey has a seasonal temperature swing of 12°F / from 52°F in December to 65°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 13.3 inches, with February being the wettest month (2.9") and August the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Garey. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166-$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221-$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111-$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886-$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83-$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166-$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28-$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55-$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443-$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111-$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66-$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55-$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166-$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428-$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443-$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089-$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554-$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535-$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214-$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886-$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221-$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107-$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33-$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83-$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28-$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55-$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32-$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77-$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77-$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32-$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43-$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66-$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89-$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33-$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55-$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83-$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328-$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86-$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33-$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17-$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664-$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554-$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221-$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28-$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443-$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535-$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55-$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111-$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,959 |
| Toddler | $1,338 |
| Preschool | $1,048 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,572 |
| Toddler | $1,323 |
| Preschool | $1,240 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garey
What is the population of Garey?
Garey has a population of 38 residents and is located in California. The population density is 30 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Garey expensive to live in?
Garey is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $141,250, 88% above the national average of $75,149.
What is the weather like in Garey?
Garey enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 13.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 49.
How is the job market in Garey?
The job market in Garey faces challenges, with unemployment at 24.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,340. There are 17,497 business establishments in the area, including 1,253 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Garey?
Schools in Garey have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 20.6% of adults in Garey hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 10.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garey?
The obesity rate in Garey is 24.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.6% of adults are smokers. 16.9% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 10.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 92.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,305.
What is transportation like in Garey?
The average commute in Garey is 31 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 Garey?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garey is 92.1% White, 15.8% Hispanic or Latino. 84.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.6% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.