Median Income
$57,083
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$65,000
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
77/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.7%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$830
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.9%
28% higher than US avg
How Garrison Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population292
Median Age40.3 yrs
Density942/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,083
Per Capita$27,883
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty15.9%
County GDP$1,137M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,000
Rent$830
Ownership73.5%
Zillow$246,998
Housing Units146
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
F
Violent77/100K
Property1,162/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking15.4%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation893 ft (272 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.7%
High School+88.5%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute25 min
Broadband88.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Garrison a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garrison receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Garrison has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garrison is $57,083, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. The poverty rate of 15.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garrison is $65,000, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $830 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Garrison is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,162 per 100,000, 41% below the national average.
Education
6.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Garrison experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches, including 33.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Garrison has a population of 292 with a density of 942 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 40.3 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.3yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Garrison is $57,083, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,883 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,043, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 720 business establishments, including 35 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,083 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,883 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,010 |
| Gini Index | 0.389 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 720 |
| County GDP | $1,137M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Healthcare | 53 |
| Retail | 85 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,120 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.34% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Garrison is $65,000, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $246,998, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $830 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 146 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,120 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $65,000 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $246,998 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $830 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.5% |
| Housing Units | 146 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,120 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.34% |
In Garrison, 40.6% 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. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 23.6% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,138. The dentist ratio is 1:4,285. 44.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garrison vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,138 |
| Dentists | 1:4,285 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,984 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 68.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,615/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 53 |
Garrison has a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,162 per 100,000, 41% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Garrison receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Garrison vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 77.5/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,162.1/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Garrison experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches. The area receives 33.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 893 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.0°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 893 ft (272 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 942/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1450°N, 92.1442°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Benton County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
633 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 597 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
75 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
61 km |
5 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
18 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1990 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
88 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
32 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
33 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
36 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
32 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Garrison has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 17°F in January to 71°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 34.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Garrison. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $706 |
| Toddler | $608 |
| Preschool | $608 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $464 |
| Toddler | $456 |
| Preschool | $456 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garrison
What is the population of Garrison?
Garrison has a population of 292 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 942 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.3 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Garrison expensive to live in?
Garrison is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $57,083, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,000 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $830 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Garrison safe?
Garrison is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,162 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Garrison receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Garrison?
Garrison has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches, with 33.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Garrison?
The job market in Garrison is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,043. There are 720 business establishments in the area, including 35 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garrison?
The median home value in Garrison is $65,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $246,998. For renters, the median monthly rent is $830. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,120.
How are the schools in Garrison?
Schools in Garrison score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.7% of adults in Garrison hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garrison?
The obesity rate in Garrison is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 44.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,138.
What is transportation like in Garrison?
The average commute in Garrison is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garrison?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garrison is 95.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
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