South Dakota · Metropolitan Area
Buffalo Gap is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 140. Residents earn $55,268 per year, which is 26% below the national average.
Based on current data, Buffalo Gap receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times. Buffalo Gap offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Buffalo Gap is $55,268, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. 8.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
The median home value in Buffalo Gap is $67,500, 76% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Buffalo Gap experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.2 inches, including 36.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
| English Only | 98.3% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.7% |
| 87% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $55,268 |
| 26% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $33,024 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,580 |
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 8.8% |
| 29% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 421 |
| County GDP | $398M |
| Restaurants | 67 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 31 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,846 |
| 96% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 10.14% |
| Commute Time | 36.0 min |
| Work from Home | 15.6% |
| Census Median | $67,500 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.4% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,846 |
| 96% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 10.14% |
| Obesity | 34.2% |
| 7% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Insurance Rate | 85.4% |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,543/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 18.2 inches |
| 52% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 36.8 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 3,268 ft (996 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 452/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4922°N, 103.3153°W |
| County FIPS | 46033 |
Winner: Republican by 45.8 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 20.0% |
| 41% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 97.5% |
| School Test Score | 5.45 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 452/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.3 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 71.0% |
| Public Libraries | 2 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
| Restaurants | 67 |
| Retail Stores | 31 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 36.0 min |
| Work from Home | 15.6% |