Garden City, ID
Population 12,483 · Idaho
About Garden City, ID
Garden City is a mid-sized city located in Idaho with a population of 12,483 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,859 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Garden City features a median home value of $411,400, which is 68% above the national median of $244,900. This places Garden City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,206, 4% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,724 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (3,602 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (1,877 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Garden City shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Garden City have an average one-way commute time of 21.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
38.4% of Garden City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 7.9% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 5.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Garden City Ranks in Idaho
Cost of Living in Garden City, ID
Compared to national averages, Garden City has a median household income of $66,859 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $411,400, which is 68% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,206 is 4% above the US average of $1,163. Within Idaho, Garden City's income is 3% above the state average of $65,190, and home values are 50% above the state median of $274,721.
Why Live in Garden City, ID?
Garden City offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, and a well-educated community where 38.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 10.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,859) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $411,400. However, Garden City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Garden City has a population of 12,483 with a median age of 44 years. Compare Garden City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Idaho.
Similar Cities Near Garden City
Cities in Idaho with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackfoot | 12,628 | $69,091 | $225,900 | Compare |
| Jerome | 12,689 | $65,343 | $214,900 | Compare |
| Star | 13,231 | $91,318 | $498,900 | Compare |
| Burley | 11,721 | $63,315 | $213,700 | Compare |
| Rathdrum | 10,133 | $86,431 | $381,800 | Compare |
| Middleton | 10,101 | $83,681 | $348,900 | Compare |
| Hailey | 9,439 | $83,084 | $574,500 | Compare |
| Sandpoint | 9,244 | $67,769 | $449,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Idaho
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Garden City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Garden City
What is the population of Garden City, ID?
The population of Garden City, ID is 12,483 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Idaho.
What is the median household income in Garden City?
The median household income in Garden City, ID is $66,859 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Garden City?
The median home value in Garden City, ID is $411,400, which is 68% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Garden City?
The median monthly rent in Garden City, ID is $1,206, which is 4% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Garden City?
The unemployment rate in Garden City, ID is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Garden City, ID a good place to live?
Garden City offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,483 and a median age of 44, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Garden City, ID?
38.4% of residents in Garden City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Garden City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Garden City, ID: median home value is $411,400 (68% above national), median rent is $1,206/month, and median household income is $66,859. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Garden City?
The poverty rate in Garden City, ID is 10.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Garden City, ID?
Garden City's population is 7.9% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 5.5% of residents are foreign-born.