Median Income
$62,273
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$72,300
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.0%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$943
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
78% lower than US avg
How Bison Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population419
Median Age46.8 yrs
Density423/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,273
Per Capita$35,859
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.7%
County GDP$176M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$72,300
Rent$943
Ownership77.7%
Zillow$163,393
Housing Units241
Rent Burden28.5%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking16.7%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain18.1 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation2,774 ft (846 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.0%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Commute11 min
Broadband81.2%
Libraries2
Is Bison a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bison receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Bison offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bison is $62,273, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bison is $72,300, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $943 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bison 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
20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Bison experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 18.1 inches, including 39.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Bison has a population of 419 with a density of 423 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 46.8 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (96.2%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.8yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Bison is $62,273, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,859. The average weekly wage is $803, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 139 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,273 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,859 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $803 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,867 |
| Gini Index | 0.496 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.7% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 139 |
| County GDP | $176M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.1% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.4% |
The median home value in Bison is $72,300, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,393, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $943 (19% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 241 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. 28.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $72,300 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $163,393 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $943 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.3% |
| Housing Units | 241 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
In Bison, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,819. 50.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bison vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 30.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,819 |
| Mental Health | 1:472 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 64.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,534/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Bison 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.
Crime Rates: Bison 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
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Bison experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 311 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 18.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.7 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 2,774 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.7°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,774 ft (846 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 423/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5236°N, 102.4677°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Perkins County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dickinson/Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK)
90 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.1"
52% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.99"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 13.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very 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 Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 8, 2025.
| Sep 25, 2009 |
15 km E of Alzada, Montana |
M4.2 |
147 km |
| Jun 8, 2025 |
19 km NW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
134 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1963 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2011 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1986 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1972 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1972 |
EF2 |
9 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1972 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1969 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1969 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 1964 |
EF2 |
0 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2019 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2011 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WINDY (16,866 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
WINDY |
16,866 |
44 km |
| 1999 |
FAITH |
12,629 |
63 km |
| 2013 |
PAUTRE |
11,733 |
34 km |
| 2021 |
DIVIDE CA |
10,635 |
13 km |
| 2006 |
STONE MAN CHURCH |
10,389 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
BLACK HORSE CREEK |
8,000 |
34 km |
| 2024 |
TRAVIN |
7,917 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
KELLY |
5,071 |
26 km |
| 2000 |
LICKINY |
3,802 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
B WARD 1 |
3,325 |
98 km |
| 2015 |
MOONSHINE |
2,768 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
PASTURE 9 BURN |
2,768 |
38 km |
| 2007 |
HAY CREEK |
2,655 |
17 km |
| 2012 |
MCINTOSH |
2,653 |
95 km |
| 2001 |
LEMON BUTTE |
2,556 |
60 km |
| 2003 |
MEAT HOOK |
2,522 |
60 km |
| 2006 |
RED OWL |
2,470 |
97 km |
| 2002 |
TRAVERS |
2,403 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
HARRIS |
2,369 |
32 km |
| 2002 |
CEDAR CANYON |
2,081 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Bison has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Bison. 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 Bison
What is the population of Bison?
Bison has a population of 419 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 423 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Bison expensive to live in?
Bison 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 $62,273, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $72,300 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $943 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bison safe?
Bison 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 Bison?
Bison has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 18.1 inches, with 39.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Bison?
The job market in Bison is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $803. There are 139 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 12.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bison?
The median home value in Bison is $72,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,393. For renters, the median monthly rent is $943. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.7%.
How are the schools in Bison?
Schools in Bison score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.0% of adults in Bison hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bison?
The obesity rate in Bison is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 50.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,819.
What is transportation like in Bison?
The average commute in Bison is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bison?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bison is 96.2% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
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