Median Income
$65,500
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$191,000
32% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
341/100K
10% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.5%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$693
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How Canton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,060
Median Age43.1 yrs
Density936/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,500
Per Capita$39,248
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$8,823M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$191,000
Rent$693
Ownership68.1%
Zillow$296,670
Housing Units1,523
Rent Burden22.4%
Crime
F
Violent341/100K
Property1,676/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault284/100K
Burglary483/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking16.5%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain27.8 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,283 ft (391 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.5%
High School+90.8%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute22 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Canton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Canton receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Canton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Canton is $65,500, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Canton is $191,000, 32% 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 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Canton is below the national average at 341 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,676 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Canton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.8 inches, including 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Canton has a population of 3,060 with a density of 936 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 43.1 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (94%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.1yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in Canton is $65,500, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,248. The average weekly wage is $1,252, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,515 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,500 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,248 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,252 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $124,882 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,515 |
| County GDP | $8,823M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 230 |
| Retail | 180 |
| Manufacturing | 61 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,467 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.9% |
| Public Transit | 2.4% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Canton is $191,000, 32% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,670, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 101.8% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. 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. 68.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,523 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $8,467 (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 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $191,000 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $296,670 |
| Median List Price | $94,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $94,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $116 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.8% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $693 |
| 40% 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 | 68.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,523 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,467 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.43% |
In Canton, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 20.4% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:754. The dentist ratio is 1:1,109. 92.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Canton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 28.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:754 |
| Dentists | 1:1,109 |
| Mental Health | 1:320 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 69.7% |
| Premature Death | 4,503/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 230 |
Canton has a violent crime rate of 341 per 100,000 residents, 10% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 284.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 56.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,676 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,108, burglary at 483, vehicle theft at 85 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Canton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Canton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 340.8/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 56.8/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 284.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,675.7/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
| Burglary | 482.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,107.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 85.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Canton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°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 27.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.1 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 1,283 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.7°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,283 ft (391 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 936/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3031°N, 96.5856°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lincoln County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.8"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
131 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
655 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 5 fatalities, 136 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
72 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Canton has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Canton. 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 | $772 |
| Toddler | $772 |
| Preschool | $724 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $518 |
| Toddler | $518 |
| Preschool | $499 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Canton
What is the population of Canton?
Canton has a population of 3,060 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 936 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Canton expensive to live in?
Canton 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 $65,500, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $191,000 (32% 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 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Canton safe?
Canton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 341 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,676 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Canton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Canton?
Canton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.8 inches, with 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Canton?
The job market in Canton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,252. There are 2,515 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 8.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Canton?
The median home value in Canton is $191,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,670. 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 68.1%. The average annual property tax is $8,467.
How are the schools in Canton?
Schools in Canton score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.5% of adults in Canton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Canton?
The obesity rate in Canton is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 92.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:754.
What is transportation like in Canton?
The average commute in Canton is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.9% of workers drive alone to work, 2.4% use public transit, and 8.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Canton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Canton is 94% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
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