Median Income
$60,536
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$199,600
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.1%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$944
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.8%
7% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.7%
19% higher than US avg
How Garfield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population586
Median Age37.0 yrs
Density623/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans11.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,536
Per Capita$31,293
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty14.7%
County GDP$40,044M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$199,600
Rent$944
Ownership82.8%
Zillow$278,125
Housing Units257
Rent Burden17.5%
Health
Obesity29.8%
Uninsured2.4%
Smoking10.4%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain17.5 in/yr
Elevation2,496 ft (761 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.1%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+7.6%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 46%
Commute28 min
Broadband81.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries19
Is Garfield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garfield receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Garfield offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garfield is $60,536, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 14.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garfield is $199,600, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $944 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
22.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Garfield experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.5 inches, including 41.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Garfield has a population of 586 with a density of 623 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 37.0 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.4% female and 45.6% male. The city is predominantly White (87%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
586
Total Population
2023 Census
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Garfield is $60,536, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,293 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,259, 12% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 15,669 business establishments, including 1,237 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,536 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,293 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,259 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,041 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 15,669 |
| County GDP | $40,044M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,237 |
| Healthcare | 1,797 |
| Retail | 1,585 |
| Manufacturing | 523 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,236 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Garfield is $199,600, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $278,125, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $944 (19% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $798 for a one-bedroom to $1,047 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 257 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,236 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $199,600 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $278,125 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $944 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $735 |
| 1 Bedroom | $798 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,047 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,456 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,756 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.2% |
| Housing Units | 257 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,236 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.12% |
In Garfield, 29.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 26.3% have high blood pressure. 10.4% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 14.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 2.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,150. The dentist ratio is 1:1,195. 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garfield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.8% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.3% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 14.7% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 27.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 2.4% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,150 |
| Dentists | 1:1,195 |
| Mental Health | 1:158 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.6% |
| Dental Visits | 72.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,070/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,797 |
Garfield experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. 77% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 2,496 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,496 ft (761 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 623/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.0102°N, 117.1395°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Spokane County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pullman/Moscow Regional (PUW)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.5"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
2.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 76.5% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0465 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
100 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Feb 13, 2025.
| Nov 28, 1991 |
7 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.3 |
145 km |
| Aug 17, 1994 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M4.1 |
115 km |
| Jul 14, 1992 |
6 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.1 |
144 km |
| Nov 11, 2001 |
3 km NE of Spokane, Washington |
M4.0 |
78 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
Washington |
M3.9 |
77 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Hope, Idaho |
M3.9 |
145 km |
| Jun 28, 1998 |
3 km SE of Genesee, Idaho |
M3.8 |
56 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
12 km SSW of East Hope, Idaho |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| May 30, 1996 |
3 km SSW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
111 km |
| Mar 14, 1997 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
115 km |
| Jan 20, 2000 |
21 km ENE of Athol, Idaho |
M3.5 |
123 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
2 km SSE of Town and Country, Washington |
M3.4 |
80 km |
| Mar 8, 1994 |
32 km S of Wallace, Idaho |
M3.4 |
94 km |
| Jun 28, 1997 |
3 km NNW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.4 |
114 km |
| Nov 2, 1996 |
4 km W of Trout Creek, Montana |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Jun 17, 2004 |
11 km SSE of Washtucna, Washington |
M3.4 |
92 km |
| Jan 13, 1994 |
11 km SW of Lind, Washington |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| May 10, 2000 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M3.3 |
115 km |
| Dec 15, 1991 |
6 km SSW of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Nov 12, 2001 |
3 km NNE of Spokane, Washington |
M3.3 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
31 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 30, 1971 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1966 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1962 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1957 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1954 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1986 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1984 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1983 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1973 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1970 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1969 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 2024 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2022 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2022 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2016 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2016 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 5, 2011 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1999 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 19.8 m (65 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1949 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
19.8 m |
- |
129 km |
| 2009 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
9.0 m |
- |
111 km |
| 2009 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
3.6 m |
- |
125 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LICK CREEK (80,376 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
LICK CREEK |
80,376 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
SCHOOL |
51,701 |
89 km |
| 2015 |
FISHER |
20,757 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
12,401 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
BEDROCK |
11,998 |
69 km |
| 2010 |
HUBBARD |
10,824 |
86 km |
| 2016 |
SNAKE RIVER FIRE |
10,349 |
48 km |
| 2023 |
GRAY |
10,096 |
70 km |
| 2016 |
FLETCHER ROAD |
9,380 |
98 km |
| 2014 |
WATERMELON HILL |
9,321 |
61 km |
| 2021 |
SILCOTT |
8,864 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
8,547 |
83 km |
| 2022 |
WAGNER ROAD |
8,155 |
57 km |
| 2015 |
GILMORE GULCH |
8,074 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
SPOKANE COMPLEX |
6,839 |
55 km |
| 1997 |
POW WAH KEE |
6,418 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
RIPARIA |
5,631 |
68 km |
| 2016 |
PALOUSE FALLS |
5,305 |
88 km |
| 1992 |
TUCANNON |
3,693 |
81 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
3,523 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| June |
60°F (15°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
0.4 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Garfield has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 32°F in December to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.5 inches, with December being the wettest month (2.2") and July the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Garfield. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$268 ($161-$428) |
| Specialist Visit |
$375 ($214-$589) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$214 ($107-$375) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,354 ($856-$5,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$139 ($80-$214) |
| Dental Filling |
$268 ($161-$428) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$48 ($27-$80) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$80 ($54-$128) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$321 ($161-$535) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($21-$80) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$642 ($428-$1,070) |
| Battery Replacement |
$214 ($107-$375) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$107 ($64-$161) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$96 ($54-$150) |
| HVAC Repair |
$428 ($161-$856) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,490 ($4,280-$12,840) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,070 ($428-$2,140) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,630 ($5,885-$16,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,605 ($535-$3,745) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,050 ($5,350-$32,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,350 ($2,140-$10,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,605 ($856-$3,210) |
| Will Preparation |
$535 ($214-$1,070) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,675 ($1,070-$5,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16-$48) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32-$107) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$161 ($80-$268) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16-$48) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27-$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54-$139) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.39 ($3.21-$5.89) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.75 ($2.68-$5.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.07 ($2.68-$5.89) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.82 ($3.21-$6.96) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.89 ($4.28-$8.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.07 ($0.64-$1.93) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$150 ($86-$268) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$75 ($32-$161) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$75 ($43-$128) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$75 ($43-$107) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32-$107) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$91 ($54-$161) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$214 ($80-$535) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,140 ($1,284-$3,745) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$75 ($32-$139) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.56-$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$107 ($32-$268) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16-$80) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,284 ($642-$2,675) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,070 ($535-$2,140) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$428 ($214-$749) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27-$107) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,070 ($428-$2,675) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,375 ($5,350-$32,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$64 ($32-$107) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$107 ($54-$214) |
| Dog Grooming |
$64 ($32-$107) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($21-$80) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$321 ($161-$535) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$214 ($107-$428) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,248 |
| Toddler | $988 |
| Preschool | $988 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $943 |
| Toddler | $819 |
| Preschool | $819 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garfield
What is the population of Garfield?
Garfield has a population of 586 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 623 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.0 years. The population is 54.4% female and 45.6% male.
Is Garfield expensive to live in?
Garfield is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,536, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $199,600 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $944 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Garfield?
Garfield has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 17.5 inches, with 41.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Garfield?
The job market in Garfield is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,259. There are 15,669 business establishments in the area, including 1,237 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garfield?
The median home value in Garfield is $199,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $278,125. For renters, the median monthly rent is $944. Fair market rent is $798 for a 1-bedroom and $1,047 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,236.
How are the schools in Garfield?
Schools in Garfield score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.1% of adults in Garfield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garfield?
The obesity rate in Garfield is 29.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.4% of adults are smokers. 14.7% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 2.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,150.
What is transportation like in Garfield?
The average commute in Garfield is 28 minutes. 88.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garfield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garfield is 87% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 11.2% of the population are military veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.