Median Income
$40,750
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$65,000
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.8%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$580
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.5%
7% lower than US avg
How Bonesteel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population301
Median Age42.8 yrs
Density860/mi²
Male / Female66% / 34%
Largest GroupWhite 66%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$40,750
Per Capita$19,900
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty11.5%
County GDP$600M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,000
Rent$580
Ownership68.5%
Zillow$323,708
Housing Units154
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking18.9%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,966 ft (599 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.8%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score5.01
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute18 min
Broadband61.1%
Libraries4
Is Bonesteel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bonesteel 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. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Bonesteel offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bonesteel is $40,750, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 11.5% 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 Bonesteel is $65,000, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $580 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bonesteel 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
13.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Bonesteel experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°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 25.9 inches, including 37.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Bonesteel has a population of 301 with a density of 860 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 42.8 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 33.6% female and 66.4% male. The city is predominantly White (66.1%), with 33.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.8yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bonesteel vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bonesteel vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bonesteel is $40,750, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,900 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $916, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 377 business establishments, including 26 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). 1.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bonesteel vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,750 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,900 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $916 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,614 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.5% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 377 |
| County GDP | $600M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.1% |
The median home value in Bonesteel is $65,000, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,708, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $580 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 154 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1941. The average annual property tax is $3,700. 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $65,000 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $323,708 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $580 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.5% |
| Housing Units | 154 |
| Median Year Built | 1941 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.69% |
In Bonesteel, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.5% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,054. The dentist ratio is 1:1,843. 37.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bonesteel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,054 |
| Dentists | 1:1,843 |
| Mental Health | 1:840 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 16,779/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Bonesteel 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 3 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Bonesteel 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) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Bonesteel experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°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 25.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.2 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 1,966 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,966 ft (599 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 860/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0775°N, 98.9468°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Charles Mix County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ainsworth Regional (ANW)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.9"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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
16 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 |
35 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
19 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
88 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
130 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
110 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
20 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
88 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
59 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
67 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
99 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
72 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
29 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
89 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
368 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 1 fatality, 51 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1954 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2015 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2009 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2009 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: REGION 24 COMPLEX (66,349 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
REGION 24 COMPLEX |
66,349 |
98 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,910 |
62 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,145 |
100 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,875 |
51 km |
| 2000 |
NOVOTNY AND WAGNER |
1,968 |
78 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
47 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
93 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Bonesteel has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Bonesteel. 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 Bonesteel
What is the population of Bonesteel?
Bonesteel has a population of 301 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 860 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 33.6% female and 66.4% male.
Is Bonesteel expensive to live in?
Bonesteel 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 $40,750, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,000 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $580 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bonesteel safe?
Bonesteel 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 Bonesteel?
Bonesteel has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°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 25.9 inches, with 37.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Bonesteel?
The job market in Bonesteel is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $916. There are 377 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 1.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bonesteel?
The median home value in Bonesteel is $65,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,708. For renters, the median monthly rent is $580. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,700.
How are the schools in Bonesteel?
Schools in Bonesteel score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.8% of adults in Bonesteel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bonesteel?
The obesity rate in Bonesteel is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 37.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,054.
What is transportation like in Bonesteel?
The average commute in Bonesteel is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bonesteel?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bonesteel is 66.1% White, 33.9% Hispanic or Latino. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
