Garrison, IA
Population 292 · Iowa
About Garrison, IA
Garrison is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 292 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,083 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Garrison features a median home value of $65,000, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Garrison one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $830, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 127 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (83 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (30 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Garrison shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Garrison have an average one-way commute time of 24.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
6.7% of Garrison 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 0.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Garrison, IA
Compared to national averages, Garrison has a median household income of $57,083 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $65,000, which is 73% below the national median. Monthly rent at $830 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Garrison's income is 16% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 51% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Garrison, IA?
Garrison offers affordable housing with a median home value of $65,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $830/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,083) that falls below the national average. However, Garrison’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Garrison has a population of 292 with a median age of 40.3 years. Compare Garrison with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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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 Garrison
What is the population of Garrison, IA?
The population of Garrison, IA is 292 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 Garrison?
The median household income in Garrison, IA is $57,083 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Garrison?
The median home value in Garrison, IA is $65,000, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Garrison?
The median monthly rent in Garrison, IA is $830, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Garrison?
The unemployment rate in Garrison, IA is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Garrison, IA a good place to live?
Garrison offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 292 and a median age of 40.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Garrison, IA?
6.7% of residents in Garrison 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 Garrison?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Garrison, IA: median home value is $65,000 (73% below national), median rent is $830/month, and median household income is $57,083. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Garrison?
The poverty rate in Garrison, IA is 17.5%, 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 Garrison, IA?
Garrison's population is 0.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.