Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Garwin, IA
Considering a move to Garwin, IA? This small town of 485 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $92,000 and average rents at $650. Garwin boasts a low crime rate, easy 22-minute commutes, and a friendly, close-knit community. With local schools, a nearby hospital, and a high rate of sunny days, Garwin is a peaceful option for those seeking a relaxed rural lifestyle at a low cost.
Demographics - Garwin, IA
Demographics - Garwin, IA
Garwin is a small rural town with a population of 485 and a median age of 44.7, reflecting a mature, close-knit community. The area is predominantly White (94.5%), with a nearly balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, creating a friendly, familiar atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
485
Density:
460 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.7
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
4.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Garwin, IA?
Garwin offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $92,000 and typical rent around $650. Utilities and daily expenses remain below national averages, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious residents looking for quality and value.
Median House Value:
$92,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$970
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.2
Grocery:
96.1
Housing:
64.8
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
89.9
Health Care:
94.7
Miscellaneous:
91.5
Crime
Is Garwin, IA a safe place to live?
The crime rate in Garwin is low, with just 134 violent crimes and 1,120 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents enjoy peace of mind in a safe environment, where the chance of experiencing violent crime is just 1 in 746.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
134
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,254
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 746
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Garwin, IA year-round?
Garwin experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and cold winters dropping to 11°F. The town enjoys about 60% sunny days each year and receives roughly 35 inches of annual rainfall, providing a balanced climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
11°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Neighborhood life in Garwin is shaped by a median household income of $54,500 and a low unemployment rate of 3.2%. Most residents have a high school diploma or higher, and commute times average 22 minutes, fostering a stable and connected community.
Median Income:
$24,000
Household Income:
$54,500
Family Income:
$67,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,800
Income Male:
$40,100
Income Female:
$33,600
Poverty Rate:
10.7%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.0%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Garwin, IA?
Garwin supports its families with local public schools that feature small class sizes, such as GMG Elementary and Secondary Schools. For higher education, Marshalltown Community College is just 18 miles away, offering additional opportunities for lifelong learning.

Public Schools
Name:
GMG Elementary School
Street:
1710 Wallace Ave, Garwin, IA 50632
Phone:
641-499-2005
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
GMG Secondary School
Street:
306 Park Street, Garwin, IA 50632
Phone:
641-499-2005
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8

Colleges
Name:
Marshalltown Community College
City:
Marshalltown
State:
IA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Garwin residents benefit from access to major regional healthcare facilities like UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown Hospital, located nearby. With 94.1% health insurance coverage and a solid healthcare index, the town provides reliable medical support for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown Hospital
Address:
55 UnityPoint Way, Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone:
(641) 754-5151
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Garwin, IA?
The housing market in Garwin is favorable for buyers, with a median home price of $92,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 75.4%. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates make it a stable place to invest or settle down.
Median Home Price:
$92,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division, located in Ankeny. Services are easily accessible via phone or online, streamlining DMV tasks for Garwin locals.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
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.