Median Income
$114,194
52% higher than US avg
Home Value
$374,600
33% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.3%
14% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,075
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.0%
67% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
69% lower than US avg
How Garrett Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,824
Median Age57.3 yrs
Density702/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans12.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$114,194
Per Capita$45,626
Unemployment6.0%
Poverty3.9%
County GDP$4,583M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$374,600
Rent$1,075
Ownership89.1%
Zillow$398,551
Housing Units751
Rent Burden26.5%
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured3.3%
Smoking12.1%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI24 (Good)
Rain18.7 in/yr
Elevation775 ft (236 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.3%
High School+96.0%
Graduate+12.9%
School Score4.82
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 45%
Commute14 min
Broadband87.2%
EV Stations5
Libraries7
Is Garrett a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garrett receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Garrett stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garrett is $114,194, which is significantly higher than the national average / 52% above $75,149. This places Garrett among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 6.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garrett is $374,600, 33% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,075 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Garrett experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.7 inches, including 6.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 24.
Garrett has a population of 1,824 with a density of 702 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 57.3 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.2%), with 9.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.1% of residents, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 12.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,824
Total Population
2023 Census
57.3yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.1%
17% above US avg
Spanish
7.4%
45% below US avg
The median household income in Garrett is $114,194, which is 52% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,626 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,073, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,804 business establishments, including 155 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $114,194 |
| 52% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,626 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,073 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,142 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.0% |
| 67% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.9% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,804 |
| County GDP | $4,583M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 155 |
| Healthcare | 168 |
| Retail | 176 |
| Manufacturing | 136 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,719 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Garrett is $374,600, 33% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $398,551. Monthly rent averages $1,075 (8% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,180 for a one-bedroom to $1,472 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 751 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $5,719 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $374,600 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $398,551 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,075 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,082 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,472 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,351 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.9% |
| Housing Units | 751 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,719 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.53% |
In Garrett, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 12.1% are current smokers. 17.8% report binge drinking. 17.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 3.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:995. The dentist ratio is 1:1,345. 83.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garrett vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.8% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 3.3% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:995 |
| Dentists | 1:1,345 |
| Mental Health | 1:257 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,867/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 168 |
Garrett experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 6.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 24 / among the cleanest air in the country. 86% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 775 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.3°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 775 ft (236 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 702/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.0590°N, 118.4005°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Walla Walla County County |
| Nearest Airport | Walla Walla Regional (ALW)
6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.7"
51% below US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
2.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 24.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 85.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
133 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 10, 2025.
| Nov 28, 1991 |
7 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.3 |
10 km |
| Jul 14, 1992 |
6 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.1 |
10 km |
| Aug 7, 1992 |
8 km WSW of Irrigon, Oregon |
M3.9 |
95 km |
| Jun 28, 1998 |
3 km SE of Genesee, Idaho |
M3.8 |
127 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
14 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.7 |
77 km |
| May 18, 2008 |
11 km SSW of Benton City, Washington |
M3.7 |
89 km |
| Jan 23, 2015 |
3 km N of Cayuse, Oregon |
M3.5 |
40 km |
| Jan 13, 1994 |
11 km SW of Lind, Washington |
M3.4 |
95 km |
| Dec 22, 1990 |
9 km NW of Mattawa, Washington |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Oct 15, 2011 |
13 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.4 |
77 km |
| Jun 17, 2004 |
11 km SSE of Washtucna, Washington |
M3.4 |
69 km |
| Nov 6, 1997 |
22 km SE of Desert Aire, Washington |
M3.4 |
114 km |
| Jun 12, 1995 |
13 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.3 |
77 km |
| May 1, 2011 |
13 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.3 |
76 km |
| Dec 15, 1991 |
6 km SSW of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M3.3 |
9 km |
| Apr 22, 1990 |
20 km SE of Desert Aire, Washington |
M3.3 |
116 km |
| Feb 28, 2004 |
10 km WSW of Wallula, Washington |
M3.3 |
48 km |
| May 27, 1997 |
15 km W of Othello, Washington |
M3.3 |
114 km |
| Jun 19, 1990 |
11 km W of Othello, Washington |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| May 11, 2001 |
4 km NNW of Moses Lake North, Washington |
M3.3 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
24 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 11, 1968 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1966 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1958 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2022 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jan 16, 2000 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1978 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2024 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2023 |
EF0 |
13 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2020 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2013 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2004 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2002 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1995 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1987 |
EF0 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HANFORD (122,914 ac, 1984).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1984 |
HANFORD |
122,914 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
COLUMBIA COMPLEX |
118,865 |
47 km |
| 2021 |
LICK CREEK |
80,376 |
78 km |
| 2015 |
BUTTE CREEK |
79,418 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
SCHOOL |
51,701 |
65 km |
| 2021 |
GREEN RIDGE |
44,604 |
60 km |
| 1986 |
JOSEPH/STARVATION |
37,064 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
27,815 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
ELBOW CREEK |
23,103 |
66 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
21,130 |
33 km |
| 2005 |
WALKER CANYON |
20,764 |
46 km |
| 2010 |
EUREKA |
19,811 |
45 km |
| 2024 |
JACK CANYON MUTUAL AID |
18,287 |
83 km |
| 2023 |
HAT ROCK |
17,264 |
49 km |
| 1990 |
LOCUSTGROV |
17,187 |
66 km |
| 2020 |
KAHLOTUS |
16,738 |
55 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
16,737 |
60 km |
| 1986 |
JOSEPH CANYON 1 |
14,398 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
LAKE WALLULA |
11,972 |
50 km |
| 2020 |
EAST FORK BUTTER CREEK |
11,496 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| February |
40°F (4°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
0.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
Garrett has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 36°F in December to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.7 inches, with November being the wettest month (2.3") and August the driest (0.4").
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) |
$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 | $1,171 |
| Toddler | $899 |
| Preschool | $899 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $857 |
| Toddler | $865 |
| Preschool | $865 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garrett
What is the population of Garrett?
Garrett has a population of 1,824 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 702 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Garrett expensive to live in?
Garrett 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 $114,194, 52% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $374,600 (33% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,075 per month. 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 Garrett?
Garrett has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 18.7 inches, with 6.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 24.
How is the job market in Garrett?
The unemployment rate in Garrett is 6.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,073. There are 1,804 business establishments in the area, including 155 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garrett?
The median home value in Garrett is $374,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $398,551. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,075. Fair market rent is $1,180 for a 1-bedroom and $1,472 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.1%. The average annual property tax is $5,719.
How are the schools in Garrett?
Schools in Garrett have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 38.3% of adults in Garrett hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. 12.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garrett?
The obesity rate in Garrett is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.1% of adults are smokers. 17.8% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 3.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 83.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:995.
What is transportation like in Garrett?
The average commute in Garrett is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garrett?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garrett is 92.2% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 9.5% Hispanic or Latino. 92.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 12.3% of the population are military veterans. 18.1% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.