Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Garnavillo, IA
Considering a move to Garnavillo, IA? This close-knit community of 725 residents offers a small-town charm with a low cost of living—median home prices are just $116,000 and typical rents around $660. Commutes are short at under 18 minutes, and both property and violent crime rates are well below national averages. Residents enjoy a quiet lifestyle, access to local schools, and a classic Midwestern climate with 56% sunny days annually. Garnavillo is ideal for those seeking affordability and a peaceful pace of life.
Demographics - Garnavillo, IA
Demographics - Garnavillo, IA
Garnavillo is a small, close-knit city with a population of around 725, where the median age is 44, reflecting a mature community. Most residents are White, and the gender balance is nearly even, with a small percentage speaking languages other than English at home. The city’s density of 900 people per square mile creates a friendly, neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
725
Density:
900 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.6%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.1%
Others:
4.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Garnavillo, IA?
The cost of living in Garnavillo is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 83.5 and median home values around $116,000. Rent averages $660 per month, and utility costs remain reasonable, making the city attractive for budget-conscious individuals. Iowa’s state taxes are moderate, and everyday expenses like groceries and transportation are lower than the national average.
Median House Value:
$116,000
Gross Rent:
$660
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.5
Grocery:
94.8
Housing:
62.1
Utilities:
94.2
Transportation:
86.4
Health Care:
94.5
Miscellaneous:
89.2
Crime
Is Garnavillo, IA a safe place to live?
Garnavillo maintains a low crime profile, with only 120 violent crimes and 940 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 830, which is well below national rates. Residents enjoy a sense of safety and security in daily life.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
940
Crime Index:
1,060
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 830
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 106
Weather
What is the weather like in Garnavillo, IA year-round?
The city experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 83°F and cold winters dipping to 9°F. Garnavillo receives about 34 inches of rainfall each year and enjoys 56% sunny days, offering a classic Midwestern climate. This variety provides residents with distinct seasonal activities and scenery.

Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Households in Garnavillo typically earn a median income of $54,800, and the poverty rate is under 10%, reflecting moderate economic stability. The majority of adults have completed high school, and the unemployment rate stands low at 3.1%. With average commute times under 18 minutes and a strong sense of community, residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$54,800
Family Income:
$66,700
Per Capita Income:
$27,500
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
9.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$660
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
17.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
20.3%
Education
How are the schools in Garnavillo, IA?
Garnavillo offers local public schooling, with small class sizes at Clayton Ridge Middle School and a student-teacher ratio of 12.5 ensuring personalized attention. While there are no private schools in town, residents have access to Northeast Iowa Community College just 28 miles away. Educational attainment is strong, with over 92% of adults holding a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Clayton Ridge Middle School
Street:
502 W Watson St
Phone:
563-964-2061
Students:
150
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5

Colleges
Name:
Northeast Iowa Community College
City:
Calmar
State:
IA
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
4,700
Healthcare
Healthcare access is reliable, with a critical access hospital located nearby and a physician ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 residents. Over 92% of the population has health insurance coverage, ensuring most people can get the medical care they need. The area’s healthcare index of 73.2 reflects generally adequate services for a small town.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics
Address:
200 Main St, Guttenberg, IA 52052
Phone:
(563) 252-1121
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
73.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Garnavillo, IA?
Garnavillo’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $116,000 and owner-occupancy rates over 80%. Rental options are available, with average rents at $660 and a modest vacancy rate, while home appreciation has risen by 4.6% in the past year. The market is stable, with few foreclosures and new construction activity.
Median Home Price:
$116,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$660
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents access DMV services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, with the main office located in Ankeny, IA. The department provides comprehensive information and services online and by phone, making vehicle registration and licensing convenient. Iowa’s DMV resources are easily accessible for Garnavillo residents.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
1-800-532-1121
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.