Garner, IA
Population 3,062 · Iowa
About Garner, IA
Garner is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 3,062 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,964 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.7 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 Garner features a median home value of $162,100, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Garner in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $791, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,405 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (1,027 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (345 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Garner shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Garner have an average one-way commute time of 14.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.2% of Garner 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 3.4% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Garner, IA
Compared to national averages, Garner has a median household income of $68,964 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $162,100, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $791 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Garner's income is 1% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 23% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Garner, IA?
Garner offers affordable housing with a median home value of $162,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $791/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,964) that falls below the national average. However, Garner’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Garner has a population of 3,062 with a median age of 51.7 years. Compare Garner with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Garner
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tama | 3,079 | $61,944 | $101,200 | Compare |
| Solon | 3,092 | $111,597 | $305,300 | Compare |
| Tipton | 3,111 | $67,625 | $146,000 | Compare |
| Wilton | 2,943 | $71,898 | $162,000 | Compare |
| West Burlington | 3,184 | $48,289 | $126,700 | Compare |
| Fairfax | 2,865 | $120,552 | $278,800 | Compare |
| Onawa | 2,862 | $54,659 | $125,700 | Compare |
| Park View | 2,861 | $106,429 | $276,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Garner With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Garner
What is the population of Garner, IA?
The population of Garner, IA is 3,062 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Garner?
The median household income in Garner, IA is $68,964 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Garner?
The median home value in Garner, IA is $162,100, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Garner?
The median monthly rent in Garner, IA is $791, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Garner?
The unemployment rate in Garner, IA is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Garner, IA a good place to live?
Garner offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,062 and a median age of 51.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Garner, IA?
24.2% of residents in Garner 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 Garner?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Garner, IA: median home value is $162,100 (34% below national), median rent is $791/month, and median household income is $68,964. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Garner?
The poverty rate in Garner, IA is 14.1%, 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 Garner, IA?
Garner's population is 3.4% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.