Median Income
$65,611
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$142,800
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.9%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$836
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.2%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.8%
3% higher than US avg
How Garrett Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,540
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density1,568/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,611
Per Capita$31,272
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty12.8%
County GDP$3,447M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$142,800
Rent$836
Ownership82.7%
Zillow$193,817
Housing Units2,822
Rent Burden27.9%
Health
Obesity44.2%
Uninsured3.1%
Smoking18.1%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
Rain38.0 in/yr
Elevation883 ft (269 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.9%
High School+89.3%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute19 min
Broadband86.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Garrett a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garrett receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Garrett offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garrett is $65,611, 13% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garrett is $142,800, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $836 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
16.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Garrett experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches, including 29.5 inches of snow.
Garrett has a population of 6,540 with a density of 1,568 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (93.4%), with 3.1% Hispanic, 1.3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
6,540
Total Population
2023 Census
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Garrett is $65,611, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,272 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,210, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,084 business establishments, including 95 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,611 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,272 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,210 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,935 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.8% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,084 |
| County GDP | $3,447M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 95 |
| Healthcare | 87 |
| Retail | 116 |
| Manufacturing | 118 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,180 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.3% |
The median home value in Garrett is $142,800, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,817, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $213,400 with homes selling in an average of 48 days. Homes sell for 100.3% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $836 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,822 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $3,180. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $142,800 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,817 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $213,400 |
| Median List Price | $215,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $213,400 |
| Median List Price | $215,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $129 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Days on Market | 48 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.3% |
| Price Drops | 13.3% |
| Inventory | 15 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $836 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.3% |
| Housing Units | 2,822 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,180 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.23% |
In Garrett, 44.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 34.5% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.3% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 3.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,167. The dentist ratio is 1:2,302. 61.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garrett vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.2% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.5% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 3.1% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,167 |
| Dentists | 1:2,302 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,339 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,445/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 87 |
Garrett experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches. The area receives 29.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 883 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 883 ft (269 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,568/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3526°N, 85.1238°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | DeKalb County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.0"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.47"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
101 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
89 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
39 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
102 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
122 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
54 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
86 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
127 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
463 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 151 fatalities, 1,820 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
70 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
51 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
13 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
42 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
57 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
4 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
20 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Garrett has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Garrett. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140-$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187-$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93-$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746-$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70-$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140-$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23-$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47-$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140-$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373-$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93-$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56-$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47-$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140-$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732-$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373-$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132-$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467-$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665-$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866-$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746-$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187-$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933-$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70-$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47-$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80-$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33-$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33-$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80-$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73-$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56-$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75-$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47-$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70-$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120-$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28-$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560-$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467-$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187-$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23-$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373-$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665-$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47-$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140-$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93-$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Garrett
What is the population of Garrett?
Garrett has a population of 6,540 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,568 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Garrett expensive to live in?
Garrett is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $65,611, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $142,800 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $836 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Garrett?
Garrett has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 38.0 inches, with 29.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Garrett?
Garrett has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,210. There are 1,084 business establishments in the area, including 95 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 2.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garrett?
The median home value in Garrett is $142,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,817. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $213,400, with homes typically selling within 48 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $836. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,180.
How are the schools in Garrett?
Schools in Garrett score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.9% of adults in Garrett hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garrett?
The obesity rate in Garrett is 44.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 3.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 61.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,167.
What is transportation like in Garrett?
The average commute in Garrett is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garrett?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garrett is 93.4% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Asian. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.