Garden Grove, IA
Population 178 · Iowa
About Garden Grove, IA
Garden Grove is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 178 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,750 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.5 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 Grove features a median home value of $48,600, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Garden Grove one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $535, 54% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 104 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (78 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (9 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Garden Grove shows an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 24.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Garden Grove have an average one-way commute time of 30.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.4% of Garden Grove residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Garden Grove Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Garden Grove, IA
Compared to national averages, Garden Grove has a median household income of $53,750 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $48,600, which is 80% below the national median. Monthly rent at $535 is 54% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Garden Grove's income is 21% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 63% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Garden Grove, IA?
Garden Grove offers affordable housing with a median home value of $48,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $535/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,750) that falls below the national average. However, Garden Grove’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Garden Grove has a population of 178 with a median age of 48.5 years. Compare Garden Grove with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Garden Grove
What is the population of Garden Grove, IA?
The population of Garden Grove, IA is 178 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Garden Grove?
The median household income in Garden Grove, IA is $53,750 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Garden Grove?
The median home value in Garden Grove, IA is $48,600, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Garden Grove?
The median monthly rent in Garden Grove, IA is $535, which is 54% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Garden Grove?
The unemployment rate in Garden Grove, IA is 1.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Garden Grove, IA a good place to live?
Garden Grove offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 178 and a median age of 48.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Garden Grove, IA?
16.4% of residents in Garden Grove aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Garden Grove?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Garden Grove, IA: median home value is $48,600 (80% below national), median rent is $535/month, and median household income is $53,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Garden Grove?
The poverty rate in Garden Grove, IA is 24.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Garden Grove, IA?
Garden Grove's population is 3.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.