Median Income
$36,765
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$65,900
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.8%
71% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
42.0%
239% higher than US avg
How Garrison Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population748
Median Age48.5 yrs
Density277/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
C
Median Income$36,765
Per Capita$13,685
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty42.0%
County GDP$252M
Commute62 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,900
Ownership83.9%
Zillow$109,981
Housing Units354
Rent Burden31.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property411/100K
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain48.2 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation525 ft (160 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.8%
High School+64.3%
Graduate+0.6%
School Score4.77
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 12%
Commute62 min
Broadband79.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Garrison a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garrison receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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 an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. Garrison has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garrison is $36,765, 51% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 42.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 62 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garrison is $65,900, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x 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 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 411 per 100,000, 79% below the national average.
Education
9.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 64.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Garrison experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches, including 20.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Garrison has a population of 748 with a density of 277 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 48.5 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 26.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.5yrs
Median Age
25% above 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 Garrison is $36,765, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,685 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $797, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 42.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 283 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 62 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 8.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,765 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,685 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $797 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,076 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 42.0% |
| 239% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 283 |
| County GDP | $252M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 31 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,850 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 61.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.0% |
The median home value in Garrison is $65,900, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $109,981, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 354 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $1,850 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $65,900 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $109,981 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.1% |
| Housing Units | 354 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,850 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.81% |
In Garrison, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,493. The dentist ratio is 1:3,239. 4.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garrison vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:6,493 |
| Dentists | 1:3,239 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,162 |
| Dental Visits | 45.2% |
| Premature Death | 15,649/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 4.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Garrison has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 411 per 100,000, 79% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Garrison receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Garrison vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 411.2/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Garrison experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 293 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 48.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 20.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 525 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.5°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 525 ft (160 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 277/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6067°N, 83.1819°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lewis County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Portsmouth Regional (PMH)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.2"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 7.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
21 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
62 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
126 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
83 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
92 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
69 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
63 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
24 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
118 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
59 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
44 km |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
13 km NNE of Sissonville, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Mar 16, 2012 |
7 km SE of Alum Creek, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
132 km |
| Mar 8, 2016 |
0 km N of Thurman, Ohio |
M2.6 |
72 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
72 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
67 km |
| Jan 28, 2024 |
3 km SW of Old Washington, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
57 km |
| Mar 20, 2023 |
13 km SSW of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M2.5 |
67 km |
| Mar 27, 2013 |
3 km W of Apple Grove, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
84 km |
| Sep 27, 2009 |
22 km NNW of Hindman, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
121 km |
| Feb 17, 2023 |
6 km ESE of Cheshire, Ohio |
M2.5 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
232 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 321 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
35 km |
7 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
87 km |
10 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1993 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2022 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF2 |
37 km |
1 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (21,562 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
89 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
94 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
7,281 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
MILL CREEK ROAD |
7,029 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
6,337 |
81 km |
| 1987 |
PLUM BRANCH |
6,223 |
97 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
5,981 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
PRICHARD |
5,220 |
72 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,451 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
SUMMER FORK |
4,393 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,373 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,259 |
11 km |
| 1991 |
DUNLOW |
3,074 |
92 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,786 |
90 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,559 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,302 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
SUMMER FORK |
1,978 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,908 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
PETERS BRANCH |
1,824 |
97 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,683 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
2.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Garrison has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 33°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and October the driest (2.8").
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) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $491 |
| Toddler | $489 |
| Preschool | $489 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $348 |
| Toddler | $355 |
| Preschool | $355 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garrison
What is the population of Garrison?
Garrison has a population of 748 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 277 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Garrison expensive to live in?
Garrison is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $36,765, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,900 (77% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, 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 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 411 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Garrison receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Garrison?
Garrison has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.2 inches, with 20.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Garrison?
Garrison has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $797. There are 283 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 62 minutes, and 8.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garrison?
The median home value in Garrison is $65,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $109,981. The homeownership rate is 83.9%. The average annual property tax is $1,850.
How are the schools in Garrison?
Schools in Garrison have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 9.8% of adults in Garrison hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 64.3% have completed high school. 0.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garrison?
The obesity rate in Garrison is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 4.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,493.
What is transportation like in Garrison?
The average commute in Garrison is 62 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 88% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garrison?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garrison is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 26.8% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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