Garner, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,049
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,726/yr
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,411
0.4% year-over-year change

Garner population

How many people live in Garner

Garner is home to 3,049 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.2% of Garner locals are male, and 52.8% are female.

Total population
3,049
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.2%
1,438
Female
52.8%
1,611
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,438 47.2% -6.0%
Female 1,611 52.8% 5.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Garner is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.8% are children under 15, then 10.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.7% of the population, while another 22.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 30% are 65 or older.

Median age
47
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.8%
15 to 24
10.8%
25 to 44
21.7%
45 to 64
22.6%
Over 65
30%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 452 14.8% 6.9%
15 to 24 330 10.8% 17.4%
25 to 44 661 21.7% -0.6%
45 to 64 690 22.6% -0.4%
Over 65 916 30% -8.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Garner, 96.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 94.8% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
2.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,937 96.3% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 41 1.3% -50.0%
Non-citizens 71 2.3% 16.4%
Racial breakdown
White
94.8%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.9%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 2,890 94.8%
Black or African American 32 1%
Asian 35 1.2%
Two or more races 88 2.9%
Other 4 0.1%

Households in Garner

A peek inside Garner households

Garner has 1,381 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66% are families, while the remaining 34% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,381
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
470
Family households
911
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 470 34% 9.3%
Family households 911 66% -3.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Garner

The housing landscape of Garner

Garner's housing consists of 1,411 units, with 75.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,411
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,065 75.5%
1 unit, attached 88 6.2%
2 units 7 0.5%
3 or 4 units 32 2.3%
5 to 9 units 83 5.9%
10 to 19 units 63 4.5%
50 or more units 26 1.8%
Mobile home 47 3.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Garner

In Garner, the median construction year is 1972. About 21.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 303 21.5% 14.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 22 1.6% -15.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 236 16.7% 12.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 89 6.3% -27.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 339 24% -15.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 69 4.9% 97.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 161 11.4% -11.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 106 7.5% 2.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 86 6.1% 45.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Garner occupancy rates

Out of the 1,381 occupied housing units in Garner, 80.2% are owner-occupied, while 19.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,381
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
273
Owner occupied
1,108
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 273 19.8% -20.9%
Owner occupied 1,108 80.2% 7.9%
Unoccupied housing units
2.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Garner housing costs

Housing costs in Garner come to a median of $873 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $740.

Median housing costs per month
$873/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Garner
$740/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Garner

Garner education at a glance

About 35.3% of the population in Garner went to high school, while 23.1% pursued college studies. Another 19.2% earned an associate degree and 14.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 61 2.5% 1.7%
High school diploma 873 35.3% -10.3%
College diploma 571 23.1% -2.2%
Associate degree 474 19.2% 26.7%
Bachelor's degree 357 14.4% -23.6%
Graduate degree 139 5.6% 33.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Garner

How much people earn in Garner

The average annual household income in Garner was $80,948 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,726, reflecting a +2.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Garner
$80,948/year
-3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Garner
$70,726/year
2.5% year-over-year change

Garner income by age

In Garner, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,987. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $79,318 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $31,618, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,735 in earnings. Overall, 88.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $31,618 -31.1%
25 - 44 $90,987 2.7%
45 - 64 $79,318 -24.7%
Over 65 $46,735 7.7%
Above poverty level
2,609
Below poverty level
340
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,609 88.5% 2.2%
Below poverty level 340 11.5% -19.1%

Average renter income in Garner

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Garner, their median household income was $30,417 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,417
Rent-to-income ratio
29.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Garner

Workforce and job types in Garner

The job market in Garner is powered by 1,413 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 62.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 37.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.2% run their own businesses, 72.3% are employed by private companies, and 10.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,413
0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
886
Blue collar
527
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 886 62.7% 0.9%
Blue collar 527 37.3% 0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
12.2%
Private companies
72.3%
Governmental workers
10.8%
Not for profit companies
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 172 12.2% 14.7%
Private companies 1,022 72.3% 11.0%
Governmental workers 153 10.8% -15.5%
Not for profit companies 66 4.7% -56.3%
Unemployment rate
1.9%
-9.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Garner stands at 1.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Garner

How people get around in Garner

Commuting methods vary: 92.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,262 92.2% -2.2%
Walk 38 2.8% 245.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Garner by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50438 3,995 1,829 $70,350 $82,948

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FAQs about Garner demographics 

What is the total population of Garner?

Garner has a total population of 3,049 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Garner?

The gender ratio in Garner is as follows:
  • 47.2% males (1,438 residents)
  • 52.8% females (1,611 residents)

What is the median age in Garner?

The median age in Garner is 47.

What is the age distribution of the population in Garner?

The age distribution in Garner is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.8% (452 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.8% (330 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.7% (661 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.6% (690 residents)
  • Over 65: 30% (916 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Garner?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Garner is as follows:
  • White: 94.8% (2,890 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (32 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (35 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.9% (88 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (4 residents)

What percentage of the population in Garner are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.3% of the population in Garner.

How many housing units are there in Garner?

There are 1,411 housing units in Garner, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Garner and what is the average household size?

Garner has a total of 1,381 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Garner?

Garner has a median household income of $70,726, representing a +2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Garner?

The employment rate is 98.1% in Garner, with a workforce of 1,413 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 62.7% (886 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 37.3% (527 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.2% (172 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.3% (1,022 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.8% (153 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.7% (66 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025