Median Income
$66,375
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$197,400
30% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
10/100K
97% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.6%
27% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$704
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.1%
91% lower than US avg
How Garretson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,166
Median Age47.9 yrs
Density799/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,375
Per Capita$39,208
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty1.1%
County GDP$992M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$197,400
Rent$704
Ownership67.1%
Zillow$272,411
Housing Units594
Rent Burden18.9%
Crime
D
Violent10/100K
Property258/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking14.5%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain29.6 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,485 ft (453 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.6%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute25 min
Broadband88.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Garretson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garretson receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Garretson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garretson is $66,375, 12% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garretson is $197,400, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $704 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Garretson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 10 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 258 per 100,000, 87% below the national average.
Education
24.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Garretson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Garretson has a population of 1,166 with a density of 799 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age is 47.9 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly White (85.2%), with 12.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.9yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Garretson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Garretson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Garretson is $66,375, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,208. The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 328 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Garretson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,375 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,208 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,379 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.1% |
| 91% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 328 |
| County GDP | $992M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 29 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,047 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in Garretson is $197,400, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $272,411, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $704 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 594 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $3,047. 18.9% 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 | $197,400 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $272,411 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $704 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.9% |
| Housing Units | 594 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,047 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.54% |
In Garretson, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,076. The dentist ratio is 1:3,179. 57.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garretson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 30.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,076 |
| Dentists | 1:3,179 |
| Mental Health | 1:455 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 68.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,748/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 29 |
Garretson has a violent crime rate of 10 per 100,000 residents, 97% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 258 per 100,000, 87% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Garretson receives a safety grade of D.
Crime Rates: Garretson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 10.3/100K |
| 97% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 258.3/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | D |
| Safety Score | 1.7 / 5.0 |
Garretson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 291 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 29.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,485 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,485 ft (453 m) |
| Area | 0.0 sq mi (0.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 799/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7148°N, 96.5033°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rock County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.6"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
601 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 445 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
40 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
79 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
95 km |
6 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Garretson has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Garretson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garretson
What is the population of Garretson?
Garretson has a population of 1,166 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 799 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Garretson expensive to live in?
Garretson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $66,375, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $197,400 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $704 per month, below 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 Garretson safe?
Garretson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 10 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 258 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Garretson receives a safety grade of D based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Garretson?
Garretson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Garretson?
Garretson has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 328 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garretson?
The median home value in Garretson is $197,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $272,411. For renters, the median monthly rent is $704. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,047.
How are the schools in Garretson?
Schools in Garretson score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.6% of adults in Garretson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garretson?
The obesity rate in Garretson is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 57.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,076.
What is transportation like in Garretson?
The average commute in Garretson is 25 minutes. 86.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garretson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garretson is 85.2% White, 12.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.