Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Garner, Iowa is a small city with a population of 3,134 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Garner is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you are looking for a family friendly city, Garner might be a good fit as 71% of the population over 15 years old are married, and 37% have kids who are 18 years old or younger. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Garner. With an average one way commute time of only 15 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Garner, Iowa could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Garner and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Garner to Iowa and the national average.
With a livability score of 80 out of 100, Garner is ranked #1,464 in the United States and #56 in Iowa. Clearly, Garner is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Garner has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Garner has higher than average scores for the following: crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (B+) and housing (A). On a less positive note, Garner does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
The Garner unemployment rate of 0.7% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Garner, the average school test scores are an impressive 78%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Garner can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Garner is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Garner come in at $228,480, which is 4.8% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Garner, the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 16.7% lower than the Iowa average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Garner | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 88.8% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 1.0% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.4% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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