Home Value
$263,900
6% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.1%
73% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
14.3%
297% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Altamont Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population34
Median Age39.0 yrs
Density27/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$29,400
Unemployment14.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$553M
Commute15 min
Housing
Home Value$263,900
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$450,491
Housing Units27
Rent Burden21.4%
Health
Obesity36.2%
Uninsured23.5%
Smoking16.8%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
Rain27.5 in/yr
Elevation1,842 ft (561 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.1%
High School+86.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute15 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries1
Is Altamont a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Altamont receives an overall livability score of 1.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Altamont faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 14.3%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate 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 Altamont is $263,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900.
Education
9.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Altamont has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 27.5 inches, including 60.7 inches of snow.
Altamont has a population of 34 with a density of 27 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 39.0 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.8% female and 38.2% male. The city is predominantly White (82.4%), with 8.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 38.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 76.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34
Total Population
2023 Census
39.0yrs
Median Age
0% below 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 $29,400 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,023, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 14.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 200 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 15 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 | $29,400 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,023 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,094 |
| Gini Index | 0.381 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 14.3% |
| 297% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 200 |
| County GDP | $553M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 16 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,600 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Altamont is $263,900, 6% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $450,491, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 27 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $3,600. 21.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $263,900 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $450,491 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 27 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,600 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.36% |
In Altamont, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 23.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,272. The dentist ratio is 1:4,352. 51.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Altamont vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.5% |
| Uninsured | 23.5% |
| 173% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,272 |
| Dentists | 1:4,352 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,408/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Altamont has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 27.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 60.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,842 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.4°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,842 ft (561 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 27/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.8408°N, 96.6902°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Deuel County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.5"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.46"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively 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 |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 26, 2002.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
98 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
106 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
423 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 74 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 23, 2004 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2001 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
55 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
63 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
52 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
52 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
50 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
51 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
51 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
53 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
81 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
51 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
52 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
51 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
50 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
50 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
71 km |
| 2002 |
ARTICHOKE |
548 |
71 km |
| 1997 |
ROBIN HOOD |
542 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Altamont has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Altamont. 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 Altamont
What is the population of Altamont?
Altamont has a population of 34 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 27 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.0 years. The population is 61.8% female and 38.2% male.
Is Altamont expensive to live in?
Altamont 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 $263,900 (6% below the U.S. median).
What is the weather like in Altamont?
Altamont has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 27.5 inches, with 60.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Altamont?
The job market in Altamont faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,023. There are 200 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Altamont?
The median home value in Altamont is $263,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $450,491. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,600.
How are the schools in Altamont?
Schools in Altamont score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.1% of adults in Altamont hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Altamont?
The obesity rate in Altamont is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 23.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 51.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,272.
What is transportation like in Altamont?
The average commute in Altamont is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Altamont?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Altamont is 82.4% White, 8.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 38.2% of residents have a disability. 76.5% have health insurance coverage.