Median Income
$50,333
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$122,500
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.2%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$705
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.4%
16% higher than US avg
How Big Stone City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population609
Median Age62.3 yrs
Density508/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,333
Per Capita$36,672
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty14.4%
County GDP$336M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$122,500
Rent$705
Ownership74.2%
Zillow$249,451
Housing Units418
Rent Burden19.4%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking15.4%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,097 ft (334 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.2%
High School+79.8%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute13 min
Broadband67.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Big Stone City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Stone City receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Big Stone City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Big Stone City is $50,333, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. 14.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big Stone City is $122,500, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $705 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Big Stone City 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
8.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Big Stone City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches, including 43.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Big Stone City has a population of 609 with a density of 508 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 62.3 years, 60% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.2% female and 57.8% male. The city is predominantly White (98.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 33.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.3yrs
Median Age
60% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Big Stone City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Big Stone City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Big Stone City is $50,333, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,672. The average weekly wage is $1,026, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 221 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Big Stone City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,333 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,672 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,026 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,920 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.4% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 221 |
| County GDP | $336M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,260 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Big Stone City is $122,500, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $249,451, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $705 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 418 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $2,260 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $122,500 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $249,451 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $705 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.8% |
| Housing Units | 418 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,260 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.84% |
In Big Stone City, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:572. The dentist ratio is 1:2,572. 6.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Stone City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 29.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:572 |
| Dentists | 1:2,572 |
| Mental Health | 1:729 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 71.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,304/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 6.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Big Stone City 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 1 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Big Stone City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Big Stone City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 73°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 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.0 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 1,097 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,097 ft (334 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 508/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3087°N, 96.4726°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Big Stone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very 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: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
43 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
61 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
426 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 93 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
80 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 |
21 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
41 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
16 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
83 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
13 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
11 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
97 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
11 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
16 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
15 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
67 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
12 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
16 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
12 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
16 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
14 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Big Stone City has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 13°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Big Stone City. 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 | $770 |
| Toddler | $705 |
| Preschool | $657 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Stone City
What is the population of Big Stone City?
Big Stone City has a population of 609 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 508 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.2% female and 57.8% male.
Is Big Stone City expensive to live in?
Big Stone City 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 $50,333, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $122,500 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $705 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Big Stone City safe?
Big Stone City 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 Big Stone City?
Big Stone City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches, with 43.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Big Stone City?
The job market in Big Stone City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,026. There are 221 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big Stone City?
The median home value in Big Stone City is $122,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $249,451. For renters, the median monthly rent is $705. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,260.
How are the schools in Big Stone City?
Schools in Big Stone City score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.2% of adults in Big Stone City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.8% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Stone City?
The obesity rate in Big Stone City is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 6.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:572.
What is transportation like in Big Stone City?
The average commute in Big Stone City is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 61.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big Stone City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Stone City is 98.5% White. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 33.2% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
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