Median Income
$67,083
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$122,400
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.2%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$836
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.7%
10% higher than US avg
How Arlington Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population833
Median Age39.1 yrs
Density484/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$67,083
Per Capita$32,317
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty13.7%
County GDP$370M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$122,400
Rent$836
Ownership73.3%
Zillow$303,349
Housing Units411
Rent Burden24.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property528/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking15.9%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain26.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,840 ft (561 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.2%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+6.2%
School Score5.83
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute18 min
Broadband91.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Arlington a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Arlington receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Arlington offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Arlington is $67,083, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. 13.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Arlington is $122,400, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $836 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Arlington 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 528 per 100,000, 73% below the national average.
Education
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Arlington has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Arlington has a population of 833 with a density of 484 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 39.1 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.3% female and 44.7% male. The city is predominantly White (98.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 7.2% of the population are veterans. 8.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.1yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Arlington vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Arlington vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Arlington is $67,083, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,317 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $920, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 265 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Arlington vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,083 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,317 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $920 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,392 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.7% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 265 |
| County GDP | $370M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,767 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
The median home value in Arlington is $122,400, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $303,349, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $836 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 411 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $4,767 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $122,400 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $303,349 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $836 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.7% |
| Housing Units | 411 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,767 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.89% |
In Arlington, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 23.0% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,596. The dentist ratio is 1:1,324. 25.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Arlington vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 28.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,596 |
| Dentists | 1:1,324 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 70.7% |
| Premature Death | 4,945/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 25.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Arlington has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 528 per 100,000, 73% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Arlington receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Arlington vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 528.4/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Arlington has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°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 26.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,840 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,840 ft (561 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 484/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3635°N, 97.1338°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kingsbury County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brookings Regional (BKX)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.2"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very 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
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 16, 2022.
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
493 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 217 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
81 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
3 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Arlington has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Arlington. 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 Arlington
What is the population of Arlington?
Arlington has a population of 833 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 484 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.1 years. The population is 55.3% female and 44.7% male.
Is Arlington expensive to live in?
Arlington 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 $67,083, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $122,400 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $836 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Arlington safe?
Arlington 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 528 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Arlington receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Arlington?
Arlington has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Arlington?
The job market in Arlington is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $920. There are 265 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Arlington?
The median home value in Arlington is $122,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $303,349. For renters, the median monthly rent is $836. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,767.
How are the schools in Arlington?
Schools in Arlington score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.2% of adults in Arlington hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Arlington?
The obesity rate in Arlington is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 23.0% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 25.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,596.
What is transportation like in Arlington?
The average commute in Arlington is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Arlington?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Arlington is 98.9% White. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 8.8% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
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