Garden City, MI
Population 26,910 · Michigan
About Garden City, MI
Garden City is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 26,910 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,396 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Garden City features a median home value of $162,400, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Garden City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $991, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,395 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (8,725 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (2,290 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Garden City shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Garden City have an average one-way commute time of 26.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.6% of Garden City 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 4.6% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Garden City Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Garden City, MI
Compared to national averages, Garden City has a median household income of $64,396 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $162,400, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $991 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Garden City's income is 2% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 11% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Garden City, MI?
Garden City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $162,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $991/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,396) that falls below the national average. However, Garden City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Garden City has a population of 26,910 with a median age of 40.8 years. Compare Garden City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Garden City
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamtramck | 27,830 | $40,103 | $116,400 | Compare |
| Allendale | 25,741 | $68,449 | $287,600 | Compare |
| Allen Park | 28,128 | $80,045 | $174,500 | Compare |
| Inkster | 25,602 | $39,632 | $75,700 | Compare |
| Okemos | 25,503 | $97,603 | $336,800 | Compare |
| Madison Heights | 28,411 | $66,726 | $190,300 | Compare |
| Forest Hills | 28,494 | $156,618 | $474,800 | Compare |
| Holt | 25,275 | $87,827 | $213,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
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, MI?
The population of Garden City, MI is 26,910 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Garden City?
The median household income in Garden City, MI is $64,396 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Garden City?
The median home value in Garden City, MI is $162,400, which is 34% below 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, MI is $991, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Garden City?
The unemployment rate in Garden City, MI is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Garden City, MI a good place to live?
Garden City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,910 and a median age of 40.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Garden City, MI?
14.6% of residents in Garden City 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 City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Garden City, MI: median home value is $162,400 (34% below national), median rent is $991/month, and median household income is $64,396. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Garden City?
The poverty rate in Garden City, MI is 11.3%, 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, MI?
Garden City's population is 4.6% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 6.6% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.