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Is Garden City a Good Place to Live? Garden City, Kansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Garden City ranks #613 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #113 of 208 small cities and #10 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14 min, #8 of 208) and low living costs (85.9, #28 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.8%, #174 of 182) and high violent crime (486 per 100,000, #139 of 174).
Garden City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Garden City's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Garden City?
Garden City's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,052/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $233,685, 6% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
| Measure | Garden City | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $233,685#207 of 1,187 | $249,603 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,035/mo#33 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $192,000#202 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,052/mo#269 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.6x#65 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 17.3%#184 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Garden City housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Garden City is in the Garden City, KS metro.
Kansas housing market →Is Garden City safe?
Garden City recorded 486 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 48% above the US rate of 328 and 6% above Kansas's 457. That ranks #822 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #139 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Garden City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,726 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Garden City | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 486#822 of 1,085 | 457 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,726#587 of 1,085 | 1,797 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Garden City?
The median household in Garden City earns $72,865, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 11% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Garden City | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $72,865#759 of 1,312 | $75,514 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 11%#571 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.8%#1052 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Garden City?
The median resident of Garden City is 31.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 17.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1219 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Garden City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 31.6 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 17.5%#1219 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 60.2% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Garden City's schools and health?
Garden City's 14 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 13.9 students per teacher and $13,487 spent per pupil. 36.8% of adults are obese and 12.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Garden City | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.9#272 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,487#765 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 36.8%#929 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.6%#885 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 21.9%#1237 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,011 students are enrolled in Garden City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Garden City?
The average commute in Garden City is 14 minutes (Kansas 20); 0.2% of workers take transit and 2.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Garden City scores 9.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #729 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.1°F and winters 32.7°F, with 19 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Garden City | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 14 min#41 of 1,312 | 20 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.7%#126 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 80.3% | 76% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.2% | 2.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 2.5% | 10.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.6#729 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44.8 | 17.6 | 0.3 |
| Feb | 48.9 | 20.5 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 59 | 29 | 1.1 |
| Apr | 67.6 | 37.8 | 1.5 |
| May | 77.6 | 49.1 | 2.5 |
| Jun | 87.9 | 59.7 | 3.5 |
| Jul | 92.2 | 64.5 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 89.6 | 62.8 | 2.5 |
| Sep | 82.9 | 54.2 | 1.4 |
| Oct | 69.9 | 40.3 | 1.4 |
| Nov | 56.4 | 27.4 | 0.4 |
| Dec | 45.7 | 18.9 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Garden City Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Garden City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 54.4°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 76.1°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 32.7°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 19 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Garden City Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Garden City?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Garden City's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Finney County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, winter weather, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 63% of US counties.
| Measure | Garden City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#511 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Finney County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Finney County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.031% | 98% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0018% | 91% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0076% | 86% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.019% | 84% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.057% | 18% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Garden City compare with similar-size cities?
Garden City is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #113 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 27,819.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #613 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 | 14 min |
| Aberdeen, SDPop. 28,189 | #415 | 59.8 | $64,405 | $762/mo | 425 | 11.9 min |
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #380 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 | 17.6 min |
| Henderson, KYPop. 27,852 | #1029 | 49.6 | $48,186 | $771/mo | 278 | 19.8 min |
| Pearl, MSPop. 27,737 | #453 | 58.9 | $61,695 | $1,175/mo | 83 | 23.8 min |
| Mililani Town, HIPop. 27,668 | #255 | 63.1 | $127,363 | $2,384/mo | no data | 29.9 min |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #761 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 | 17.2 min |
| New Iberia, LAPop. 27,571 | #1298 | 36.8 | $47,087 | $894/mo | 1,088 | 19.7 min |
| Fremont, NEPop. 27,567 | #560 | 57.2 | $71,152 | $1,080/mo | 200 | 17.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Garden City compare with the rest of Kansas?
Garden City ranks #10 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 56.5 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 4% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 6% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical Kansas home.
| City | Rank in KS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leawood, KSPop. 33,809 | #1 | 72.6 | $185,625 | $1,983/mo | 71 |
| Olathe, KSPop. 145,057 | #2 | 68.4 | $114,009 | $1,314/mo | 230 |
| Lenexa, KSPop. 58,384 | #3 | 68.3 | $103,239 | $1,454/mo | 180 |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #4 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 |
| Prairie Village, KSPop. 22,874 | #5 | 67.1 | $113,530 | $1,794/mo | 96 |
| Shawnee, KSPop. 68,542 | #6 | 66.0 | $109,940 | $1,322/mo | 228 |
| Gardner, KSPop. 24,526 | #7 | 64.8 | $96,818 | $1,306/mo | 185 |
| Salina, KSPop. 46,307 | #8 | 58.2 | $61,783 | $959/mo | 449 |
| Dodge City, KSPop. 27,613 | #9 | 57.4 | $68,721 | $1,045/mo | 185 |
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #10 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 |
| Lawrence, KSPop. 96,051 | #11 | 56.0 | $65,009 | $1,091/mo | 441 |
| Derby, KSPop. 26,062 | #12 | 55.8 | $84,112 | $1,136/mo | part year |
| Manhattan, KSPop. 54,239 | #13 | 55.1 | $60,172 | $1,003/mo | no data |
| Emporia, KSPop. 24,131 | #14 | 53.7 | $52,704 | $815/mo | 266 |
| Junction City, KSPop. 22,331 | #15 | 53.2 | $61,181 | $1,024/mo | 609 |
| Leavenworth, KSPop. 37,195 | #16 | 53.0 | $72,987 | $1,229/mo | 455 |
| Topeka, KSPop. 125,786 | #17 | 50.5 | $56,956 | $979/mo | 882 |
| Hutchinson, KSPop. 39,709 | #18 | 50.0 | $58,687 | $881/mo | 608 |
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #19 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 |
| Kansas City, KSPop. 155,135 | #20 | 45.5 | $62,401 | $1,123/mo | 981 |
All 20 Kansas cities we track, by overall score. Kansas statewide: median income $75,514, violent crime 457.2 per 100,000.
How is Garden City's score calculated?
Garden City scores 56.5 out of 100, #613 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Kansas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Garden City. Similar-size median 52.9.
58.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Garden City's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
63.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Garden City. Similar-size median 52.2.
47.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Garden City's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
58.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Garden City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
85.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Garden City. Similar-size median 46.7.
51.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Garden City. Similar-size median 44.2.
37.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Garden City. Similar-size median 47.3.
43.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Garden City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
45.3 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
62.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Garden City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Garden City has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Garden City
Is Garden City, KS a good place to live?
Garden City ranks #613 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #113 of 208 small cities and #10 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14 min, #8 of 208) and low living costs (85.9, #28 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.8%, #174 of 182) and high violent crime (486 per 100,000, #139 of 174).
What is the cost of living in Garden City?
Garden City's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,052/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $233,685, 6% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
What is the crime rate in Garden City?
Garden City recorded 486 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 48% above the US rate of 328 and 6% above Kansas's 457. That ranks #822 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #139 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Garden City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,726 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Garden City?
The median household in Garden City earns $72,865, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 11% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Garden City?
Median rent in Garden City is $1,052/mo (Census), #269 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,035/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Garden City?
The typical home value in Garden City is $233,685, down 1.9% in a year, against $249,603 for Kansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $192,000.
How are the public schools in Garden City?
Garden City's 14 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 13.9 students per teacher and $13,487 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Garden City?
The average commute is 14 minutes, #41 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20 minutes across Kansas. 2.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Garden City?
Garden City averages 54.4°F over the year, 76.1°F in summer and 32.7°F in winter, with 19 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Garden City walkable?
Garden City scores 9.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #729 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Garden City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Finney County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, winter weather, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 63% of US counties.
Who lives in Garden City?
Garden City has 27,819 residents. The median resident of Garden City is 31.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 17.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1219 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Garden City compare with the rest of Kansas?
Garden City ranks #10 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 56.5 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 4% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 6% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical Kansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Garden City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Garden City's population of 27,819 are Aberdeen, SD (#415 overall), Williston, ND (#380 overall), Henderson, KY (#1029 overall), Pearl, MS (#453 overall), and Mililani Town, HI (#255 overall). Garden City is #613.