Median Income
$56,563
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$85,100
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
398/100K
5% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.7%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$645
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Garwin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population554
Median Age50.3 yrs
Density549/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$56,563
Per Capita$32,059
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$848M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,100
Rent$645
Ownership79.4%
Zillow$161,957
Housing Units288
Rent Burden21.6%
Crime
F
Violent398/100K
Property2,034/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking16.1%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation899 ft (274 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.7%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.25
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 36%
Commute19 min
Broadband89.3%
EV Stations7
Libraries9
Is Garwin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garwin receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Garwin has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garwin is $56,563, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garwin is $85,100, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $645 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,034 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
8.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Garwin experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.3 inches, including 32.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Garwin has a population of 554 with a density of 549 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 50.3 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (98.6%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.3yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in Garwin is $56,563, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,059 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $938, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 440 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,563 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,059 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $938 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,559 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 440 |
| County GDP | $848M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 50 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,285 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.6% |
The median home value in Garwin is $85,100, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $161,957, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $645 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 288 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $3,285. 21.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,100 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $161,957 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $645 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.6% |
| Housing Units | 288 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,285 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.86% |
In Garwin, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,622. The dentist ratio is 1:5,634. 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garwin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,622 |
| Dentists | 1:5,634 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,104 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 65.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,872/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Garwin has a violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 residents, 5% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,034 per 100,000, 4% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Garwin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Garwin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 397.9/100K |
| 5% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,033.6/100K |
| 4% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Garwin experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.3 inches. The area receives 32.8 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 899 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.3°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 899 ft (274 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 549/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0935°N, 92.6791°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Tama County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.3"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 57.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
697 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 40 fatalities, 1,062 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
53 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
84 km |
13 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
89 km |
5 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
88 km |
2 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1990 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
43 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
46 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
56 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
36 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Garwin has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Garwin. 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 | $718 |
| Toddler | $619 |
| Preschool | $619 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $472 |
| Toddler | $464 |
| Preschool | $464 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garwin
What is the population of Garwin?
Garwin has a population of 554 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 549 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Garwin expensive to live in?
Garwin 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 $56,563, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,100 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $645 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Garwin safe?
The violent crime rate in Garwin is 398 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,034 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Garwin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Garwin?
Garwin has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.3 inches, with 32.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Garwin?
The job market in Garwin is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $938. There are 440 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 2.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garwin?
The median home value in Garwin is $85,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $161,957. For renters, the median monthly rent is $645. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,285.
How are the schools in Garwin?
Schools in Garwin score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.7% of adults in Garwin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garwin?
The obesity rate in Garwin is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,622.
What is transportation like in Garwin?
The average commute in Garwin is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garwin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garwin is 98.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
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