Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Garden City, KS
Considering a move to Garden City, KS? With a friendly population of 28,151 and a median home value around $169,000, living here is notably affordable. Rents average $940, and commute times are a quick 15 minutes. The city sees 70% sunny days each year, and offers a diverse community with strong local schools and access to Garden City Community College. While crime rates are just above national averages, Garden City balances small-town charm, affordable living, and a welcoming spirit.
Demographics - Garden City, KS
Demographics - Garden City, KS
Garden City is home to about 28,000 residents with a youthful median age of 30.4 years, reflecting a diverse community where nearly half identify as White and over 27% speak a language other than English at home. The population density provides a vibrant urban feel while maintaining the friendliness of a smaller city.
Population:
28,151
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.4
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
27.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
49.8%
Black:
3.2%
Asian:
5.8%
Others:
41.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Garden City, KS?
With a median house value of $169,000 and an average rent of $940, Garden City offers a cost of living well below the national average, making it an affordable option for families and individuals alike. Utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Median House Value:
$169,000
Gross Rent:
$940
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.6
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
56.5
Utilities:
104.6
Transportation:
85.7
Health Care:
95.1
Miscellaneous:
90.3
Crime
Is Garden City, KS a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Garden City are slightly above national averages, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 44 and violent crime at 1 in 238. While safety is generally good, new residents are encouraged to stay aware and take standard precautions, especially in certain neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
419
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,272
Crime Index:
2,691
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 44
Weather
What is the weather like in Garden City, KS year-round?
Garden City experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers reaching up to 93°F and chilly winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives around 20 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys abundant sunshine, with 70% of days being sunny.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
45°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
93°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
19.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Residents of Garden City benefit from a median household income of about $59,600 and a low unemployment rate of 3.5%. Commute times average a quick 15 minutes, and a significant portion of the community brings a multicultural background, enriching local life.
Median Income:
$31,600
Household Income:
$59,600
Family Income:
$65,300
Per Capita Income:
$22,950
Income Male:
$40,700
Income Female:
$31,700
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
27.0%
Rent:
$940
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
15.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
72.3%
Bachelors or More:
17.4%
Education
How are the schools in Garden City, KS?
Garden City offers a range of educational opportunities including well-regarded public schools like Garden City High School and Horace Good Middle School, as well as private options such as St. Dominic School. The city is also home to Garden City Community College, supporting students’ higher education goals locally.

Public Schools
Name:
Garden City High School
Street:
2720 Buffalo Way Blvd
Phone:
620-805-5400
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Name:
Horace Good Middle School
Street:
1412 N Main St
Phone:
620-805-8100
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4

Private Schools
Name:
St. Dominic School
Street:
617 J.C. St
Phone:
620-276-8981
Students:
180

Colleges
Name:
Garden City Community College
City:
Garden City
State:
KS
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,900
Name:
Seward County Community College
City:
Liberal
State:
KS
Distance:
62 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Garden City is served by St. Catherine Hospital and has a physician-to-resident ratio of 1.6 per 1,000 people, ensuring accessible healthcare for most residents. About 84% of locals have health insurance coverage, contributing to steady overall community health.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Catherine Hospital
Address:
401 E Spruce St, Garden City, KS 67846
Phone:
(620) 272-2222
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.2%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Garden City, KS?
The housing market in Garden City is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $169,000 and owner-occupied units making up 61% of residences. Home values have seen a modest appreciation of 4.1% over the past year, while the rental vacancy rate remains healthy at nearly 7%.
Median Home Price:
$169,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$940
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Garden City residents are managed by the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Dodge City. The DMV provides comprehensive resources online and by phone to assist with licensing and registration needs.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles
Address:
2501 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801
Phone:
620-227-4529
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.