Median Income
$55,875
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,600
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.9%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$693
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.2%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
4% lower than US avg
How Bowdle Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population442
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density691/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans16.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,875
Per Capita$33,325
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty11.9%
County GDP$257M
Commute8 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,600
Rent$693
Ownership57.0%
Zillow$122,187
Housing Units239
Rent Burden14.8%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity34.2%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking16.0%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,991 ft (607 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.9%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute8 min
Broadband75.4%
Libraries2
Is Bowdle a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bowdle 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. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Bowdle offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bowdle is $55,875, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 11.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bowdle is $95,600, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $693 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bowdle 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
24.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Bowdle has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.2 inches, including 38.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Bowdle has a population of 442 with a density of 691 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (79.9%), with 7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 16.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Bowdle is $55,875, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,325 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,000, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 186 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,875 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,325 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,000 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,990 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 186 |
| County GDP | $257M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,800 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 8.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.1% |
The median home value in Bowdle is $95,600, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $122,187, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $693 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 239 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $5,800 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 14.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,600 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $122,187 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $693 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.0% |
| Housing Units | 239 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,800 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.07% |
In Bowdle, 34.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 22.0% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,016. 40.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bowdle vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.0% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,016 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 63.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,206/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Bowdle 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: Bowdle 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
Bowdle has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°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 20.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 38.7 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 1,991 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.3°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,991 ft (607 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 691/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4513°N, 99.6565°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Edmunds County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.2"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.1 / 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on May 30, 2024.
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
110 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
72 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
302 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 36 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LAPLANTE (14,777 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
LAPLANTE |
14,777 |
82 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,487 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
TRIBLE |
9,718 |
83 km |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
20 km |
| 2006 |
1804 |
2,778 |
53 km |
| 2011 |
MOUND CITY |
2,755 |
54 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR BEAR |
2,179 |
69 km |
| 2000 |
FTMANUEL |
2,124 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
JOEL BERTSCH 2 |
1,460 |
53 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,438 |
65 km |
| 2004 |
ALLEN STUECKLE |
1,330 |
46 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
FUZZY |
1,075 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Bowdle has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Bowdle. 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 Bowdle
What is the population of Bowdle?
Bowdle has a population of 442 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 691 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Bowdle expensive to live in?
Bowdle 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 $55,875, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,600 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $693 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bowdle safe?
Bowdle 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 Bowdle?
Bowdle has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.2 inches, with 38.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Bowdle?
The job market in Bowdle is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,000. There are 186 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 8 minutes, and 11.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bowdle?
The median home value in Bowdle is $95,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $122,187. For renters, the median monthly rent is $693. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,800.
How are the schools in Bowdle?
Schools in Bowdle score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.9% of adults in Bowdle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bowdle?
The obesity rate in Bowdle is 34.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 22.0% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 40.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,016.
What is transportation like in Bowdle?
The average commute in Bowdle is 8 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bowdle?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bowdle is 79.9% White, 7% Black or African American. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 16.9% of the population are military veterans. 4.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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