Median Income
$68,571
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$72,000
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.3%
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.3%
131% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.1%
83% lower than US avg
How Badger Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population164
Median Age31.3 yrs
Density155/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans2.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$68,571
Per Capita$23,779
Unemployment8.3%
Poverty2.1%
County GDP$425M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$72,000
Ownership92.6%
Zillow$303,349
Housing Units69
Rent Burden20.6%
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured2.4%
Smoking15.4%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain26.2 in/yr
Elevation1,722 ft (525 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.3%
High School+87.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.23
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute23 min
Broadband90.7%
EV Stations5
Is Badger a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Badger receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Badger offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Badger is $68,571, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 8.3%, unemployment is notably high. Only 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Badger is $72,000, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
11.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Badger 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. Annual precipitation totals 26.2 inches, including 34.0 inches of snow.
Badger has a population of 164 with a density of 155 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 31.3 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (97.6%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 2.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
164
Total Population
2023 Census
31.3yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Badger is $68,571, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,779 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,068, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 279 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 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.9% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,571 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,779 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,068 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,032 |
| Gini Index | 0.363 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.3% |
| 131% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.1% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 279 |
| County GDP | $425M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,783 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.9% |
The median home value in Badger is $72,000, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $303,349, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 69 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,783 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $72,000 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $303,349 |
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 | 92.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.4% |
| Housing Units | 69 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,783 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.64% |
In Badger, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 2.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,255. 22.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Badger vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 28.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 2.4% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,255 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 70.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,695/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 22.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Badger 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. Annual precipitation totals 26.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,722 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) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,722 ft (525 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 155/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4855°N, 97.2079°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hamlin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brookings Regional (BKX)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.2"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.10"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.4 / 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
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 16, 2022.
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
147 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
127 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
82 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
469 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 205 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
90 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TAHOHPI WUI RX (1,166 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
Badger has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and December the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Badger. 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 Badger
What is the population of Badger?
Badger has a population of 164 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 155 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Badger expensive to live in?
Badger 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 $68,571, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $72,000 (74% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Badger?
Badger 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. Annual rainfall totals 26.2 inches, with 34.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Badger?
The job market in Badger faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,068. There are 279 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 16.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Badger?
The median home value in Badger is $72,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $303,349. The homeownership rate is 92.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,783.
How are the schools in Badger?
Schools in Badger score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.3% of adults in Badger hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Badger?
The obesity rate in Badger is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 2.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 22.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,255.
What is transportation like in Badger?
The average commute in Badger is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Badger?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Badger is 97.6% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 2.8% of the population are military veterans. 9.8% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.