Home Value
$107,500
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.6%
21% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
27.8%
124% higher than US avg
How Agar Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population86
Median Age64.5 yrs
Density410/mi²
Male / Female61% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans79.0%
Economy
Per Capita$37,391
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty27.8%
County GDP$108M
Commute14 min
Housing
Home Value$107,500
Rent$850
Ownership89.1%
Zillow$248,758
Housing Units70
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property826/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking15.1%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain21.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,857 ft (566 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.17
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute14 min
Broadband55.0%
EV Stations7
Libraries1
Is Agar a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Agar receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Agar has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 27.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Agar is $107,500, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Agar is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 826 per 100,000, 58% below the national average.
Education
26.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Agar experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.1 inches, including 48.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Agar has a population of 86 with a density of 410 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 64.5 years, 66% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.5% female and 60.5% male. The city is predominantly White (89.5%), with 10.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 79.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
64.5yrs
Median Age
66% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $37,391. The average weekly wage is $1,068, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 27.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 97 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $37,391 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,068 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,529 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 27.8% |
| 124% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 97 |
| County GDP | $108M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 10 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.3% |
The median home value in Agar is $107,500, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,758, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 70 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1940. 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $107,500 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $248,758 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.9% |
| Housing Units | 70 |
| Median Year Built | 1940 |
Property Tax
In Agar, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 19.3% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. 1.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Agar vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 72.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,861/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 1.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Agar has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 826 per 100,000, 58% below the U.S. average. Overall, Agar receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Agar vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 826.5/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Agar experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 21.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,857 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 46.0°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,857 ft (566 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 410/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.8397°N, 100.0735°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sully County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.1"
45% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.95"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on May 30, 2024.
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
41 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
62 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
106 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
9 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
236 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 33 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1973 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
87 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1992 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1987 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LAPLANTE (14,777 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
LAPLANTE |
14,777 |
64 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,487 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
HOUCK RANCH |
8,746 |
74 km |
| 2000 |
HAYES |
4,627 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
BENT RIM |
3,665 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
THOMPSON COMPLEX |
3,230 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
CLOVER |
3,062 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
73 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE BEND |
2,789 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
1804 |
2,778 |
82 km |
| 2023 |
LITTLE BEND RX |
2,574 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR BEAR |
2,179 |
37 km |
| 2006 |
FT PIERRE COMPLEX |
1,812 |
65 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,438 |
94 km |
| 2001 |
VAN METRE |
1,336 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
BAD HORSE |
1,215 |
89 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
52 km |
| 2021 |
FUZZY |
1,075 |
40 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Agar has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Agar. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agar
What is the population of Agar?
Agar has a population of 86 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 410 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 64.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.5% female and 60.5% male.
Is Agar expensive to live in?
Agar is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $107,500 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Agar safe?
Agar is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 826 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Agar receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Agar?
Agar has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.1 inches, with 48.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Agar?
The job market in Agar is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,068. There are 97 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 2.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Agar?
The median home value in Agar is $107,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,758. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.1%.
How are the schools in Agar?
Schools in Agar score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.6% of adults in Agar hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Agar?
The obesity rate in Agar is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 1.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Agar?
The average commute in Agar is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Agar?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Agar is 89.5% White, 10.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 79.0% of the population are military veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
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