Median Income
$45,192
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$127,900
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
173/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.1%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$548
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How Burke Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population645
Median Age39.9 yrs
Density1,152/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$45,192
Per Capita$28,234
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$238M
Commute10 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$127,900
Rent$548
Ownership64.6%
Zillow$323,708
Housing Units368
Rent Burden22.4%
Crime
F
Violent173/100K
Property173/100K
Health
Obesity36.5%
Uninsured17.1%
Smoking17.5%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
Rain26.7 in/yr
Elevation2,192 ft (668 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.1%
High School+90.1%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score5.79
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute10 min
Broadband75.0%
Libraries2
Is Burke a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Burke receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Burke offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Burke is $45,192, 40% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Burke is $127,900, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $548 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Burke is below the national average at 173 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 173 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
17.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Burke experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.7 inches, including 45.0 inches of snow.
Burke has a population of 645 with a density of 1,152 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 39.9 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.3% female and 55.7% male. The city is predominantly White (87.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
645
Total Population
2023 Census
39.9yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Burke is $45,192, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,234 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $767, 46% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 230 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,192 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,234 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $767 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,663 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 230 |
| County GDP | $238M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 37 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,867 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 9.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Burke is $127,900, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,708, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $548 (53% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 368 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $4,867 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $127,900 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $323,708 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $548 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.4% |
| Housing Units | 368 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,867 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.81% |
In Burke, 36.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 17.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:994. The dentist ratio is 1:1,981. 56.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Burke vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.9% |
| Uninsured | 17.1% |
| 99% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:994 |
| Dentists | 1:1,981 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,018 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 62.6% |
| Premature Death | 13,035/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Burke has a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 173 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Burke receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Burke vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 173.3/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 173.3/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Burke experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 45.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 2,192 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.3°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,192 ft (668 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,152/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1828°N, 99.2923°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Gregory County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ainsworth Regional (ANW)
55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.7"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.18"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 16.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 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 |
56 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
49 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
95 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
108 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
93 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
128 km |
| Apr 11, 2016 |
11 km E of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.2 |
139 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
50 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
50 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
65 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
118 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
92 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
52 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
9 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
97 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
334 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 1 fatality, 58 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
3 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2015 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2009 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2009 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: REGION 24 COMPLEX (66,349 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
REGION 24 COMPLEX |
66,349 |
78 km |
| 2011 |
OKREEK |
11,115 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,910 |
52 km |
| 1998 |
TNC |
4,683 |
85 km |
| 2023 |
NENFR-HFR-FY23-RX-UNITS 35-36-39 |
2,936 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,875 |
44 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 16 RX |
2,171 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
NOVOTNY AND WAGNER |
1,968 |
49 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
HIGHWAY 47 |
1,800 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
SIMMONS I |
1,764 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
OKREEK |
1,273 |
89 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
58 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Burke has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Burke. 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 Burke
What is the population of Burke?
Burke has a population of 645 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,152 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.9 years. The population is 44.3% female and 55.7% male.
Is Burke expensive to live in?
Burke 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 $45,192, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $127,900 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $548 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Burke safe?
Burke is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 173 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Burke receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Burke?
Burke has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 26.7 inches, with 45.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Burke?
Burke has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $767. There are 230 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Burke?
The median home value in Burke is $127,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,708. For renters, the median monthly rent is $548. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,867.
How are the schools in Burke?
Schools in Burke score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.1% of adults in Burke hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Burke?
The obesity rate in Burke is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 17.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 56.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:994.
What is transportation like in Burke?
The average commute in Burke is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Burke?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Burke is 87.4% White. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.1% of residents have a disability. 82.9% have health insurance coverage.