Violent Crime
746/100K
96% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$618
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
50.1%
56% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
39.8%
221% higher than US avg
How Allen Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population860
Median Age20.2 yrs
Density265/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
Per Capita$7,252
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty39.8%
County GDP$143M
Commute9 min
Housing
Rent$618
Ownership10.2%
Zillow$201,493
Housing Units143
Rent Burden27.7%
Crime
F
Violent746/100K
Property2,982/100K
Health
Obesity50.1%
Uninsured18.8%
Smoking41.0%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease11.2%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.7 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation3,296 ft (1,005 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+59.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.54
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute9 min
Broadband31.4%
Libraries3
Is Allen a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Allen receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Allen has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 39.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $618 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
With 746 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,982 per 100,000, 52% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 59.7% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.5/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Allen experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 24°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 20.7 inches, including 48.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Allen has a population of 860 with a density of 265 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 20.2 years, 48% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.3% female and 41.7% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 76.9% of residents, while 23.1% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 77.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
20.2yrs
Median Age
48% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
76.9%
2% below US avg
Spanish
23.1%
72% above US avg
Per capita income is $7,252 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $818, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 39.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 98 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $7,252 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $818 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $42,858 |
| Gini Index | 0.521 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 39.8% |
| 221% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 98 |
| County GDP | $143M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 7 |
| Retail | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 9.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,493. Monthly rent averages $618 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 10.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 143 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $618 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 10.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 10.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 89.8% |
| Housing Units | 143 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
In Allen, 50.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 24.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 11.2% of residents, above the national average. 42.5% have high blood pressure. 41.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.2% report binge drinking. 45.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.2% experience frequent mental distress. 18.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:1,112. 51.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Allen vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 50.1% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 24.7% |
| Heart Disease | 11.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.5% |
| Asthma | 16.1% |
| COPD | 15.3% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 7.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 41.0% |
| 193% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 45.4% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 25.2% |
| Physical Distress | 25.2% |
| Short Sleep | 37.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.0% |
| Uninsured | 18.8% |
| 119% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,112 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 38.6% |
| Premature Death | 21,695/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
Allen has a violent crime rate of 746 per 100,000 residents, 96% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,982 per 100,000, 52% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Allen receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Allen vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 745.6/100K |
| 96% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,982.3/100K |
| 52% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Allen experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 24°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 20.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.4 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 3,296 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.4°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,296 ft (1,005 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 265/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2791°N, 101.9265°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bennett County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rapid City Regional (RAP)
77 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.7"
46% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 2.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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
25 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 8, 2025.
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
24 km |
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
47 km |
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
119 km |
| Mar 9, 2025 |
7 km W of Fairburn, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
119 km |
| Dec 12, 2013 |
10 km WSW of Hermosa, South Dakota |
M3.5 |
127 km |
| Mar 26, 2021 |
10 km E of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
47 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
137 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
63 km |
| Feb 7, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
99 km |
| Jun 18, 1998 |
23 km S of Chadron, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
73 km |
| Jan 16, 2012 |
25 km E of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
90 km |
| Jun 16, 2024 |
7 km NNE of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M2.9 |
112 km |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
15 km NNE of Oelrichs, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
100 km |
| Apr 4, 2024 |
19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
43 km |
| Mar 18, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Hot Springs, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
128 km |
| Apr 24, 2007 |
23 km WSW of Hay Springs, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
113 km |
| Jun 8, 2025 |
19 km NW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
203 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 74 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 6, 1963 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1956 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2016 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 2003 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1983 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1982 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1979 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1977 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1974 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1973 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1972 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1964 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1964 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1962 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WELLNITZ (77,277 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
WELLNITZ |
77,277 |
69 km |
| 2000 |
POWDER HORN |
48,608 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
COTTONWOOD CA |
41,775 |
70 km |
| 2012 |
LONGHORN COMPLEX |
41,443 |
69 km |
| 2007 |
STAMPEDE |
22,848 |
64 km |
| 1985 |
YELLOWBEAR |
19,212 |
17 km |
| 2016 |
FREEMAN |
19,121 |
84 km |
| 1988 |
LIGHTNING |
18,426 |
72 km |
| 1985 |
4TH OFJULY |
18,177 |
63 km |
| 2012 |
HAY CANYON |
17,815 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
CROOKSTON |
14,962 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
HASNOHORSE |
13,420 |
33 km |
| 2022 |
CASINO |
11,583 |
81 km |
| 1987 |
GRASS CK3 |
11,125 |
54 km |
| 2000 |
DECKER |
10,883 |
20 km |
| 1987 |
BIG FIRE |
9,107 |
88 km |
| 2000 |
PEPPER CREEK |
8,915 |
51 km |
| 2002 |
WANNA |
7,699 |
69 km |
| 2023 |
MCCANN |
7,110 |
90 km |
| 2002 |
COTTONWOOD |
6,696 |
33 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Allen has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Allen. 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 Allen
What is the population of Allen?
Allen has a population of 860 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 265 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.3% female and 41.7% male.
Is Allen expensive to live in?
Allen is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. Renters pay a median of $618 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Allen safe?
Public safety is a concern in Allen, with a violent crime rate of 746 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,982 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Allen receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Allen?
Allen has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 24°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 20.7 inches, with 48.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Allen?
Allen has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $818. There are 98 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 9 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Allen?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $618. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 10.2%.
How are the schools in Allen?
Schools in Allen have an average test score of 3.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Allen hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 59.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Allen?
The obesity rate in Allen is 50.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 41.0% of adults are smokers. 45.4% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 18.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 51.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Allen?
The average commute in Allen is 9 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Allen?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Allen is 100% Hispanic or Latino. 76.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 23.1% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 9.2% of residents have a disability. 77.0% have health insurance coverage.
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