KansasPop. 24,526Towns
Is Gardner a Good Place to Live? Gardner, Kansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Gardner ranks #192 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #36 of 234 towns and #7 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #13 of 153) and fast population growth (+1.5%, #24 of 151), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Gardner by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Gardner'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 Gardner?
Gardner's cost of living index is 92.5, 7% below the US level of 100 and #337 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,306/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $352,266, 41% above the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
| Measure | Gardner | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 92.5#337 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $352,266#521 of 1,187 | $249,603 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,599/mo#419 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $306,200#545 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,306/mo#531 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 16.2%#109 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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.
Gardner 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. Gardner is in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro.
Kansas housing market →Is Gardner safe?
Gardner recorded 185 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 44% below the US rate of 328 and 60% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #322 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #62 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gardner Police Department. Property crime runs 1,269 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Gardner | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 185#322 of 1,085 | 457 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,269#343 of 1,085 | 1,797 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Gardner?
The median household in Gardner earns $96,818, 16% above the US figure of $83,163 and 28% above Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Gardner | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $96,818#389 of 1,312 | $75,514 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 6.3%#200 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +1.5%#153 of 1,132 | +0.4% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Gardner?
The median resident of Gardner is 30.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 32% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #717 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Gardner | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 30.7 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 32%#717 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 67.6% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Gardner's schools and health?
Gardner's 10 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $12,882 spent per pupil. 34.9% of adults are obese and 8.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Gardner | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 95%#68 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 13.8#261 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $12,882#847 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 34.9%#764 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 8.9%#197 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.9%#500 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,746 students are enrolled in Gardner's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Gardner?
The average commute in Gardner is 22.9 minutes (Kansas 20); 0% of workers take transit and 13.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Gardner scores 8.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #933 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.9°F and winters 32.5°F, with 37.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Gardner | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 22.9 min#586 of 1,312 | 20 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4.6%#506 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 77.6% | 76% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.5% | 2.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 13.7% | 10.3% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.5#933 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 | 39.4 | 20.1 | 1.1 |
| Feb | 44.1 | 24.1 | 1.5 |
| Mar | 56 | 33.8 | 2.3 |
| Apr | 66 | 43.6 | 3.8 |
| May | 75.4 | 54.4 | 5.1 |
| Jun | 84.7 | 64.3 | 5.3 |
| Jul | 89.4 | 68.2 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 88.2 | 66.5 | 4 |
| Sep | 79.7 | 57.5 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 67.5 | 45.5 | 3.3 |
| Nov | 54 | 33.6 | 1.9 |
| Dec | 43 | 24.2 | 1.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Olathe Johnson Co Ind Airport.
| Measure | Gardner | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 55.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 76.9°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 32.5°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 37.5 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Olathe Johnson Co Ind Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Gardner?
Johnson County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Johnson County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
| Measure | Gardner | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#234 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Johnson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Johnson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0013% | 83% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0087% | 82% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.015% | 74% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 28% 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 Gardner compare with similar-size cities?
Gardner is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #36 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 24,526.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gardner, KSPop. 24,526 | #192 | 64.8 | $96,818 | $1,306/mo | 185 | 22.9 min |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #999 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 | 19 min |
| Terrytown, LAPop. 24,726 | #1304 | 36.0 | $51,718 | $1,135/mo | no data | 27.1 min |
| Middletown, DEPop. 24,661 | #198 | 64.5 | $112,831 | $1,583/mo | 186 | 30 min |
| Auburn, MEPop. 24,602 | #586 | 56.9 | $66,647 | $1,041/mo | 232 | 21.7 min |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #844 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 | 21.1 min |
| Mandan, NDPop. 24,522 | #811 | 53.2 | $71,780 | $1,083/mo | 257 | 17.6 min |
| Columbus, NEPop. 24,488 | #487 | 58.3 | $64,626 | $892/mo | 87 | 15.1 min |
| Ponca City, OKPop. 24,326 | #1079 | 48.4 | $55,941 | $850/mo | 500 | 15.7 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 Gardner compare with the rest of Kansas?
Gardner ranks #7 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 64.8 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 28% above the Kansas median. Violent crime is 60% below the statewide rate. Homes are 41% above 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 Gardner's score calculated?
Gardner scores 64.8 out of 100, #192 of 1,312 (grade A, 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 Gardner. Similar-size median 41.9.
64.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Gardner's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
85.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Gardner. Similar-size median 56.5.
58.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Gardner's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
66.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Gardner's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
73.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Gardner. Similar-size median 50.8.
70.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Gardner. Similar-size median 35.2.
57.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Gardner. Similar-size median 48.3.
47.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Gardner's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
39.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
68.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Gardner's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Gardner 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 Gardner
Is Gardner, KS a good place to live?
Gardner ranks #192 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #36 of 234 towns and #7 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #13 of 153) and fast population growth (+1.5%, #24 of 151), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Gardner?
Gardner's cost of living index is 92.5, 7% below the US level of 100 and #337 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,306/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $352,266, 41% above the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
What is the crime rate in Gardner?
Gardner recorded 185 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 44% below the US rate of 328 and 60% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #322 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #62 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gardner Police Department. Property crime runs 1,269 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Gardner?
The median household in Gardner earns $96,818, 16% above the US figure of $83,163 and 28% above Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Gardner?
Median rent in Gardner is $1,306/mo (Census), #531 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,599/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Gardner?
The typical home value in Gardner is $352,266, up 2.8% in a year, against $249,603 for Kansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $306,200.
How are the public schools in Gardner?
Gardner's 10 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $12,882 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Gardner?
The average commute is 22.9 minutes, #586 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20 minutes across Kansas. 4.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Gardner?
Gardner averages 55.1°F over the year, 76.9°F in summer and 32.5°F in winter, with 37.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Gardner walkable?
Gardner scores 8.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #933 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 Gardner at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Johnson County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Gardner?
Johnson County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Gardner?
Gardner has 24,526 residents. The median resident of Gardner is 30.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 32% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #717 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Gardner compare with the rest of Kansas?
Gardner ranks #7 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 64.8 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 28% above the Kansas median. Violent crime is 60% below the statewide rate. Homes are 41% above the typical Kansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Gardner?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Gardner's population of 24,526 are Fort Dodge, IA (#999 overall), Terrytown, LA (#1304 overall), Middletown, DE (#198 overall), Auburn, ME (#586 overall), and Ridgeland, MS (#844 overall). Gardner is #192.