Median Income
$58,661
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$114,400
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.9%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$690
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.0%
5% higher than US avg
How Alcester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population987
Median Age42.9 yrs
Density1,352/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans10.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,661
Per Capita$27,378
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty13.0%
County GDP$8,823M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$114,400
Rent$690
Ownership72.2%
Zillow$292,181
Housing Units405
Rent Burden20.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,478/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary538/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking14.8%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain26.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,418 ft (432 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.9%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+9.4%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute15 min
Broadband86.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Alcester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alcester receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Alcester offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alcester is $58,661, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. 13.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alcester is $114,400, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $690 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Alcester 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 1,478 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.
Education
15.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Alcester experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.9 inches, including 30.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Alcester has a population of 987 with a density of 1,352 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 42.9 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (83.4%), with 2.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
The median household income in Alcester is $58,661, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,378 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,252, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,515 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,661 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,378 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,252 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $124,882 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,515 |
| County GDP | $8,823M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 230 |
| Retail | 180 |
| Manufacturing | 61 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,467 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Alcester is $114,400, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $292,181, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $690 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 405 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $8,467 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $114,400 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $292,181 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $690 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.8% |
| Housing Units | 405 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,467 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.40% |
In Alcester, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:754. The dentist ratio is 1:1,109. 92.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alcester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:754 |
| Dentists | 1:1,109 |
| Mental Health | 1:320 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 69.8% |
| Premature Death | 4,503/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 230 |
Alcester has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,478 per 100,000, 25% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 806, burglary at 538, vehicle theft at 134 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Alcester receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Alcester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,478.5/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
| Burglary | 537.6/100K |
| Theft | 806.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 134.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Alcester experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 291 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 26.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,418 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.4°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,418 ft (432 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,352/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0276°N, 96.6268°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lincoln County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.9"
29% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
94 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
666 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 9 fatalities, 150 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
99 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Alcester has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Alcester. 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 | $772 |
| Toddler | $772 |
| Preschool | $724 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $518 |
| Toddler | $518 |
| Preschool | $499 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcester
What is the population of Alcester?
Alcester has a population of 987 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,352 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is Alcester expensive to live in?
Alcester is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $58,661, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $114,400 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $690 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alcester safe?
Alcester 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 1,478 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alcester receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alcester?
Alcester 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 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.9 inches, with 30.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Alcester?
The job market in Alcester is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,252. There are 2,515 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alcester?
The median home value in Alcester is $114,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $292,181. For renters, the median monthly rent is $690. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.2%. The average annual property tax is $8,467.
How are the schools in Alcester?
Schools in Alcester score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.9% of adults in Alcester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 9.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alcester?
The obesity rate in Alcester is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 92.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:754.
What is transportation like in Alcester?
The average commute in Alcester is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alcester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alcester is 83.4% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 25.6% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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