Median Income
$68,646
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$181,800
36% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.0%
38% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$625
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.1%
19% lower than US avg
How Garrison Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,456
Median Age52.0 yrs
Density1,040/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,646
Per Capita$33,827
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty10.1%
County GDP$1,016M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$181,800
Rent$625
Ownership79.0%
Zillow$251,358
Housing Units727
Rent Burden28.9%
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured3.3%
Smoking14.6%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain17.8 in/yr
Elevation1,917 ft (584 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.0%
High School+90.3%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score5.61
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute17 min
Broadband78.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Garrison a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garrison receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Garrison offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garrison is $68,646, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. 10.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garrison is $181,800, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
21.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Garrison has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.8 inches, including 42.7 inches of snow.
Garrison has a population of 1,456 with a density of 1,040 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 52.0 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (90.9%), with 2.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,456
Total Population
2023 Census
52.0yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Garrison is $68,646, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,827 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,324. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 392 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,646 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,827 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,324 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,300 |
| Gini Index | 0.378 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.1% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 392 |
| County GDP | $1,016M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 33 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,850 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.2% |
The median home value in Garrison is $181,800, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,358, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $625 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 727 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $3,850. 28.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $181,800 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $251,358 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $625 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.0% |
| Housing Units | 727 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,850 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.12% |
In Garrison, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 3.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,265. The dentist ratio is 1:3,275. 38.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garrison vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 3.3% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,265 |
| Dentists | 1:3,275 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,458 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,092/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Garrison has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,917 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.9°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,917 ft (584 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,040/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.6532°N, 101.4219°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McLean County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minot International (MOT)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.8"
53% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.54"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
237 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 47 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1956 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2004 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1997 |
EF2 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1990 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1982 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1960 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1958 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1956 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1955 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1954 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LITTLE SWALLOW (9,886 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
LITTLE SWALLOW |
9,886 |
88 km |
| 1988 |
MURPHY |
8,918 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE SWALLOW |
6,304 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
DANKS |
2,425 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
MUSKRAT LAKE |
2,344 |
84 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM |
1,705 |
21 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,678 |
52 km |
| 1997 |
FOXHOLM1 |
1,187 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
ROBINSON SUNFLOWER |
1,115 |
21 km |
| 2009 |
SQUAW CREEK |
1,104 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,062 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Garrison has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 11°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.5").
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) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $931 |
| Toddler | $851 |
| Preschool | $788 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $684 |
| Toddler | $647 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garrison
What is the population of Garrison?
Garrison has a population of 1,456 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,040 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Garrison expensive to live in?
Garrison is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $68,646, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $181,800 (36% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
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 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 17.8 inches, with 42.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Garrison?
The job market in Garrison is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,324. There are 392 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 1.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garrison?
The median home value in Garrison is $181,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,358. For renters, the median monthly rent is $625. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,850.
How are the schools in Garrison?
Schools in Garrison score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.0% of adults in Garrison hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garrison?
The obesity rate in Garrison is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 3.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 38.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,265.
What is transportation like in Garrison?
The average commute in Garrison is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garrison?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garrison is 90.9% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.