Median Income
$38,500
49% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,900
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
80/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.3%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$719
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
43% lower than US avg
How Bridgewater Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population456
Median Age42.6 yrs
Density404/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$38,500
Per Capita$27,587
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty7.1%
County GDP$406M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,900
Rent$719
Ownership78.0%
Zillow$243,577
Housing Units204
Rent Burden35.6%
Crime
F
Violent80/100K
Property319/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking13.8%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain27.0 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,419 ft (433 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.3%
High School+90.4%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 24%
Commute26 min
Broadband82.2%
EV Stations1
Is Bridgewater a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bridgewater receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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. Bridgewater offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bridgewater is $38,500, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bridgewater is $86,900, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bridgewater is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 319 per 100,000, 84% below the national average.
Education
16.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bridgewater has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Bridgewater has a population of 456 with a density of 404 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 42.6 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55% female and 45% male. The city is predominantly White (92.3%), with 2.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92% of residents, while 8% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.6yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bridgewater vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.0%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.0%
40% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bridgewater vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bridgewater is $38,500, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,587 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $973, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 246 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 26 minutes. 3.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bridgewater vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,500 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,587 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $973 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,058 |
| Gini Index | 0.381 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.1% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 246 |
| County GDP | $406M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,817 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
The median home value in Bridgewater is $86,900, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,577, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 90.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $719 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 204 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $4,817 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 35.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,900 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $243,577 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $128 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 90.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $719 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.0% |
| Housing Units | 204 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,817 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.54% |
In Bridgewater, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 22.1% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,695. The dentist ratio is 1:5,778. 30.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bridgewater vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.1% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,695 |
| Dentists | 1:5,778 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 68.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,584/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 30.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Bridgewater has a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 319 per 100,000, 84% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bridgewater receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bridgewater vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 79.9/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 319.5/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bridgewater has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°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 27.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,419 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,419 ft (433 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 404/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5502°N, 97.4984°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McCook County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.0"
29% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 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 |
143 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
117 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
83 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
115 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
107 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
64 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
143 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
76 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
88 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
601 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 258 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
27 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SIX PACK (1,649 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
90 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Bridgewater has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Bridgewater. 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 Bridgewater
What is the population of Bridgewater?
Bridgewater has a population of 456 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 404 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55% female and 45% male.
Is Bridgewater expensive to live in?
Bridgewater 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 $38,500, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,900 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bridgewater safe?
Bridgewater is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 319 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bridgewater receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bridgewater?
Bridgewater has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Bridgewater?
The job market in Bridgewater is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $973. There are 246 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 3.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bridgewater?
The median home value in Bridgewater is $86,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,577. For renters, the median monthly rent is $719. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,817.
How are the schools in Bridgewater?
Schools in Bridgewater score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.3% of adults in Bridgewater hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bridgewater?
The obesity rate in Bridgewater is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 22.1% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 30.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,695.
What is transportation like in Bridgewater?
The average commute in Bridgewater is 26 minutes. 78.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bridgewater?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bridgewater is 92.3% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino. 92% of residents speak only English at home, while 8% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 17.1% of residents have a disability. 90.6% have health insurance coverage.
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