Median Income
$41,000
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$50,000
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.0%
79% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.7%
35% higher than US avg
How Garvin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population90
Median Age55.0 yrs
Density321/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans74.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$41,000
Per Capita$53,209
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty16.7%
County GDP$721M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$50,000
Ownership95.2%
Zillow$89,013
Housing Units48
Rent Burden20.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property756/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking15.4%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,530 ft (466 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.0%
High School+85.9%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute26 min
Broadband42.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Garvin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garvin receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Garvin has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garvin is $41,000, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 16.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garvin is $50,000, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Garvin 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 756 per 100,000, 61% below the national average.
Education
7.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Garvin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.2 inches, including 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Garvin has a population of 90 with a density of 321 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 55.0 years, 41% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 74.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.0yrs
Median Age
41% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Garvin is $41,000, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $53,209 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $943, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 341 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,000 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $53,209 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $943 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,683 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.7% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 341 |
| County GDP | $721M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,845 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Garvin is $50,000, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $89,013, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 48 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1940. The average annual property tax is $2,845 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 20.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $50,000 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $89,013 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.8% |
| Housing Units | 48 |
| Median Year Built | 1940 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,845 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.69% |
In Garvin, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 26.2% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 20.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,715. The dentist ratio is 1:4,030. 56.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garvin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.2% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.8% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 31.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,715 |
| Dentists | 1:4,030 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,342 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,092/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Garvin has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 756 per 100,000, 61% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Garvin receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Garvin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 756.1/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 74 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Garvin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°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 29.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.3 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 1,530 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,530 ft (466 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 321/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2125°N, 95.7602°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Murray County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML) 17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.2"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
430 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 314 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
50 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
5 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
35 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Garvin has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Garvin. 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 | $723 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $602 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garvin
What is the population of Garvin?
Garvin has a population of 90 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 321 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Garvin expensive to live in?
Garvin 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 $41,000, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $50,000 (82% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Garvin safe?
Garvin 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 756 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Garvin receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Garvin?
Garvin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.2 inches, with 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Garvin?
The unemployment rate in Garvin is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $943. There are 341 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garvin?
The median home value in Garvin is $50,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $89,013. The homeownership rate is 95.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,845.
How are the schools in Garvin?
Schools in Garvin score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.0% of adults in Garvin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.9% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garvin?
The obesity rate in Garvin is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 20.8% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 56.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,715.
What is transportation like in Garvin?
The average commute in Garvin is 26 minutes. 90.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garvin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garvin is 92.2% White. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 74.0% of the population are military veterans. 26.0% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.