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Aurora Center, SD

South Dakota · Aurora County

Aurora Center is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 13.

3.5 /5.0
B+ Good
13 Population 325/sq mi density
46°F Avg Temperature 291 sunny days/yr
B+
Overall
3.5 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Education
3.5 / 5.0
30.8% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Aurora Center, SD

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Violent Crime 0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 30.8%
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 0.0%
100% lower than US avg

How Aurora Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population13
Median Age61.4 yrs
Density325/mi²
Male / Female23% / 77%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans13.0%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$38,392
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$156M

Housing

Home ValueN/A
RentN/A
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$323,708
Housing Units20
Rent Burden17.3%

Crime

Violent0/100K
Property0/100K

Health

Obesity36.3%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking16.4%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease5.4%

Climate

Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain23.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,650 ft (503 m)

Education

B
Bachelor's+30.8%
High School+76.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.13

Community

2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
CommuteN/A
Broadband9.0%
Libraries2

Is Aurora Center a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Aurora Center 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, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Aurora Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.

Safety & Crime

Aurora Center 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.

Education

30.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.

Climate & Weather

Aurora Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.9 inches, including 37.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.

Aurora Center has a population of 13 with a density of 325 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age is 61.4 years, 58% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 76.9% female and 23.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 76.5% of residents, while 23.5% speak Spanish. 13.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 44.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

13
Total Population
325
People / sq mi
61.4yrs
Median Age
58% above US avg
0.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 23.1%
Female 76.9%

Race & Ethnicity

Aurora Center vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 76.5%
3% below US avg
Spanish 23.5%
75% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Aurora Center vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Aurora Center is N/A. Per capita income is $38,392. The average weekly wage is $805, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 102 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Aurora Center vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$38,392
Avg Weekly Wage$805
IRS Avg AGI$60,306
Gini Index0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate0.0%
100% below US avg
Establishments (County)102
County GDP$156M

Business (County)

Restaurants9
Healthcare11
Retail10

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living88.60 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,708. 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 20 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 17.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Zillow ZHVI$323,708

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Rent Burden17.3%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$691
1 Bedroom$784
2 Bedrooms$990
3 Bedrooms$1,295
4 Bedrooms$1,540

Ownership & Property

Homeownership100.0%
Owner-Occupied100.0%
Renter-Occupied0.0%
Housing Units20
Median Year Built1938

Property Tax

In Aurora Center, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 3.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Aurora Center vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity36.3%
13% above US avg
Diabetes9.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
High Blood Pressure28.7%
Asthma10.7%
COPD6.2%
Cancer7.7%
Stroke2.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking16.4%
17% above US avg
Binge Drinking20.7%
Physical Inactivity23.2%
Depression22.8%
Mental Distress17.2%
Physical Distress12.1%
Short Sleep29.5%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate100.0%
Mental Health1:1,391
Checkup Rate73.8%
Dental Visits70.1%
Premature Death8,790/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment7.8/10
Exercise Access3.4%
Healthcare Facilities11
Aurora Center has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes.

Crime Rates: Aurora Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent0.0/100K
100% below US avg

Property Crime

Total Property0.0/100K
100% below US avg

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)2
Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Safety Score

View full crime details →
Aurora Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 74°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 23.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.7 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 1,650 feet.

Temperature

18°F Jan (-8°C) 74°F Jul (23°C)
Annual Average46.1°F
15% below US avg
January Average18°F (-8°C)
July Average74°F (23°C)
Sunny Days291 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,650 ft (503 m)
Area0.0 sq mi (0.1 km²)
Population Density325/sq mi
Coordinates43.5272°N, 98.5895°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyAurora County County
Nearest AirportMitchell Municipal (MHE)
32 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 23.9"
37% below US avg
Snowfall 37.7"
Wettest Month (Jun) 3.58"
Driest Month (Jan) 0.43"

Air Quality

AQI Median35.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score19.6 / 100
Social Vulnerability23.6 / 100
Community Resilience60.5 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Relatively 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 Relatively Moderate
Drought Relatively Moderate
Cold Wave Relatively Moderate
Landslide Very Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.

Nov 3, 2002 16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska M4.3 88 km
Jun 4, 2021 10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska M3.7 59 km
Oct 25, 1990 8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota M3.6 31 km
Feb 6, 1996 1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska M3.6 141 km
Jun 4, 2021 9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska M3.1 60 km
Jul 26, 2002 0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota M3.1 98 km
Jan 4, 2021 5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota M3.1 80 km
Feb 7, 2014 11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota M3.0 40 km
Feb 1, 2006 6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska M2.9 124 km
Jul 3, 1995 9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota M2.8 90 km
Jan 1, 2020 2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska M2.8 147 km
Mar 20, 2010 9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska M2.7 121 km
Apr 27, 2025 9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota M2.5 60 km
Jan 16, 2022 9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota M2.5 31 km
Mar 6, 2024 6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska M2.5 104 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tornado History

423 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950. Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 243 injuries.

Date Rating Distance Fatalities
Jun 18, 2014 EF4 59 km 0
May 30, 1998 EF4 77 km 6
May 29, 1962 EF4 95 km 0
May 5, 2007 EF3 22 km 0
Jun 24, 2003 EF3 57 km 0
Jun 16, 1992 EF3 89 km 0
Jul 24, 1971 EF3 65 km 0
Jul 9, 1971 EF3 92 km 0
Jul 3, 1971 EF3 97 km 0
Jun 20, 1968 EF3 52 km 0
Jun 26, 1965 EF3 88 km 0
Jun 21, 1965 EF3 92 km 0
May 24, 1965 EF3 88 km 0
May 8, 1965 EF3 72 km 0
Jun 5, 1962 EF3 92 km 0
May 21, 1962 EF3 48 km 0
May 21, 1962 EF3 74 km 0
May 16, 1962 EF3 59 km 0
May 15, 1962 EF3 75 km 0
May 14, 1962 EF3 22 km 0
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)

Wildfire History

7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: HOLIDAY (2,936 ac, 2022).

Year Name Acres Distance
2022 HOLIDAY 2,936 90 km
2000 GANN VALLEY 2,534 78 km
2012 KAYLKOWSKI 1,966 81 km
2011 HIGHWAY 47 1,800 91 km
2005 CHAOS 1,539 93 km
2023 SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I 1,185 11 km
2009 TAHOHPI WUI RX 1,166 96 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 18°F (-8°C) 0.4 in Coldest, Driest
February 24°F (-5°C) 0.6 in
March 35°F (1°C) 1.6 in
April 47°F (9°C) 2.4 in
May 59°F (15°C) 3.4 in
June 69°F (21°C) 3.6 in Wettest
July 74°F (23°C) 2.9 in Warmest
August 73°F (23°C) 2.2 in
September 63°F (17°C) 2.2 in
October 50°F (10°C) 1.5 in
November 33°F (1°C) 0.9 in
December 21°F (-6°C) 0.5 in

Aurora Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 18°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.4").

View full weather details →
Aurora Center is located in Aurora County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 30.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 9% below the national average of 33.7%. 76.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 6.1 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 75.8% of the vote, a 54.1-point margin. 9.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). There are 2 public libraries serving the community. 11 healthcare facilities operate in the area.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 75.8%
D 21.7%

Winner: Republican by 54.1 points

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)2
Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Education

Bachelor's Degree+30.8%
9% below US avg
High School+76.9%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
School Test Score6.13
B Education Grade (3.5/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density325/sq mi
Total Area0.0 sq mi
CountyAurora County County

Services

Broadband Access9.0%
Avg Download Speed145.5 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed133.3 Mbps
Max Download Speed1,000 Mbps
Public Libraries2
Healthcare Facilities11
Restaurants9
Retail Stores10

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%
Average costs for common services in Aurora Center. 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)

Top Industries in Aurora County

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Retail Trade 153 11 $26,494 1.89
Agriculture & Forestry 91 7 $48,824 13.85
Wholesale Trade 41 5 $52,918 1.28
Construction 22 11 $41,275 0.52

Radio Stations near Aurora Center

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

National Parks Near Aurora Center

3 national parks and monuments found near Aurora Center.

ParkTypeFee
Missouri National Recreational River National Recreational River Free
Niobrara State Park State Park Free
Niobrara State Park State Park Free

Museums in Aurora Center

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
PLANKINTON PRESERVATION SOCIETYHISTORY MUSEUM$535

Libraries in Aurora Center

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
WHITE LAKE COMMUNITY LIBRARY111 MAIN ST0.01,785
ARMOUR-CARNEGIE PUBLIC LIBRARY915 MAIN ST0.01,412
PLANKINTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY404 E DAVENPORT0.0711

Cell Towers in Aurora Center

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
39090-278th Street (108174)GTOWER151
39090-278th Street (108174)GTOWER151
(Armour) 39090-278th StreetGTOWER151
(Plankington) 25458 386th AveGTOWER114

Bridges in Aurora Center

LocationTypeKindYear BuiltLength (ft)Daily TrafficCondition
CulvertConcrete continuous192332265F
Channel BeamConcrete19673666P
CulvertConcrete19413140G
CulvertConcrete20184333G
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete19784033P
CulvertSteel20062233G
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel19883226F
CulvertConcrete continuous20082922G

Airports Near Aurora Center

20 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Chamberlain Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Cook FieldSmall Airport
Corsica Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Drake Farm AirportSmall Airport
Huffy's AirportSmall Airport
Ingle AirportSmall Airport
Kimball Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Lake Andes Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Mitchell Municipal AirportMHESmall Airport
MJ Aviation Airport ISmall Airport
Nicolaisen AirportSmall Airport
Parkston Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Pepper Port AirportSmall Airport
Platte Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Plihal Farms AirportSmall Airport
Selle AirportSmall Airport
Springfield Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Wagner Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Wessington Springs AirportSmall Airport
Woolf Brothers AirportSmall Airport

Post Offices in Aurora Center

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
New Holland Post Office

Churches & Religious Organizations in Aurora Center

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
NEW HOLLAND CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCHPO BOX 3

Explore Near Aurora Center

Historic Markers
1
Officially designated historical markers from the Historical Marker Database
View all →

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Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Aurora Center.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Aurora Center

What is the population of Aurora Center?

Aurora Center has a population of 13 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 325 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 76.9% female and 23.1% male.

Is Aurora Center expensive to live in?

Aurora Center is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100.

Is Aurora Center safe?

Aurora Center 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).

What is the weather like in Aurora Center?

Aurora Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.9 inches, with 37.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.

How is the job market in Aurora Center?

The job market in Aurora Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $805. There are 102 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations.

How are the schools in Aurora Center?

Schools in Aurora Center score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.8% of adults in Aurora Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Aurora Center?

The obesity rate in Aurora Center is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 3.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.

What are the demographics of Aurora Center?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Aurora Center is 100% White. 76.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 23.5% speak Spanish. 13.0% of the population are military veterans. 44.1% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

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