Median Income
$52,656
30% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.0%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$900
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.6%
42% higher than US avg
How Garrison Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population151
Median Age55.5 yrs
Density144/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans12.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$52,656
Per Capita$35,942
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty17.6%
County GDP$674M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Rent$900
Ownership78.2%
Zillow$263,132
Housing Units150
Rent Burden18.0%
Crime
F
Violent254/100K
Property4,191/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking17.7%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,258 ft (383 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+73.1%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute12 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Garrison a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garrison receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Garrison has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garrison is $52,656, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 17.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Garrison is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,191 per 100,000, 114% above the national average.
Education
6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Garrison has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.8 inches, including 43.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Garrison has a population of 151 with a density of 144 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 55.5 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (97.4%), with 2.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 12.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.5yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Garrison is $52,656, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,942. The average weekly wage is $917, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 476 business establishments, including 55 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,656 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,942 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $917 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,457 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.6% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 476 |
| County GDP | $674M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 55 |
| Healthcare | 39 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,500 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 62.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.2% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $263,132. Monthly rent averages $900 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 150 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $3,500. 18.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $900 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.8% |
| Housing Units | 150 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,500 |
| 0% below US avg |
In Garrison, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.4% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,135. The dentist ratio is 1:3,225. 48.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garrison vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,135 |
| Dentists | 1:3,225 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,073 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 60.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,648/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Garrison has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,191 per 100,000, 114% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 254.0/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,191.4/100K |
| 114% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 107 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Garrison has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 276 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 28.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,258 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.0°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,258 ft (383 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 144/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.2987°N, 93.8260°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Aitkin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.8"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
212 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 193 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
61 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2015 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
46 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
48 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
88 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
93 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
88 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
48 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
16 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
91 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
49 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
44 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
61 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
89 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
51 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Garrison has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 9°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.6").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garrison
What is the population of Garrison?
Garrison has a population of 151 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 144 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Garrison expensive to live in?
Garrison has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $52,656, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Garrison safe?
Garrison is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,191 per 100,000 (above 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.8 inches, with 43.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Garrison?
Garrison has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $917. There are 476 business establishments in the area, including 55 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 7.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garrison?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $900. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,500.
How are the schools in Garrison?
Schools in Garrison score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.0% of adults in Garrison hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.1% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garrison?
The obesity rate in Garrison is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 48.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,135.
What is transportation like in Garrison?
The average commute in Garrison is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 62.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garrison?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garrison is 97.4% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 12.4% of the population are military veterans. 25.0% of residents have a disability. 82.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
