Median Income
$58,750
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$102,100
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
386/100K
1% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.5%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.2%
156% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Carthage Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population104
Median Age53.8 yrs
Density71/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans87.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$58,750
Per Capita$39,588
Unemployment9.2%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$177M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$102,100
Rent$850
Ownership93.7%
Zillow$251,123
Housing Units109
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent386/100K
Property2,427/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking17.4%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain26.4 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,424 ft (434 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.5%
High School+98.8%
Graduate+6.9%
School Score6.28
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 25%
Commute24 min
Broadband63.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Carthage a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carthage receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Carthage has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carthage is $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.2%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Carthage is $102,100, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 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
The violent crime rate of 386 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,427 per 100,000, 24% above the national average.
Education
14.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Carthage experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.4 inches, including 35.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Carthage has a population of 104 with a density of 71 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 53.8 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.7% of residents, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 87.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.8yrs
Median Age
38% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.7%
12% above US avg
Spanish
12.3%
8% below US avg
The median household income in Carthage is $58,750, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,588. The average weekly wage is $837, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 108 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 12.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,750 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,588 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $837 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,103 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.2% |
| 156% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 108 |
| County GDP | $177M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 52.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.0% |
The median home value in Carthage is $102,100, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,123, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 109 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 22.5% 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 | $102,100 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $251,123 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.3% |
| Housing Units | 109 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Carthage, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 23.0% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,314. The dentist ratio is 1:384. 52.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Carthage vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,314 |
| Dentists | 1:384 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,717/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 52.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Carthage has a violent crime rate of 386 per 100,000 residents, 1% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,427 per 100,000, 24% above the U.S. average. Overall, Carthage receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Carthage vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 385.6/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,427.2/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Carthage experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°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 26.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 35.8 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 1,424 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,424 ft (434 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 71/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1648°N, 97.7203°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Miner County County |
| Nearest Airport | Huron Regional (HON)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.4"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.58"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 16, 2022.
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
73 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
45 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
497 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 233 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
46 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GANN VALLEY (2,534 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Carthage has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Carthage. 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 Carthage
What is the population of Carthage?
Carthage has a population of 104 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 71 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Carthage expensive to live in?
Carthage 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 $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $102,100 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 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 Carthage safe?
The violent crime rate in Carthage is 386 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,427 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Carthage receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Carthage?
Carthage has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.4 inches, with 35.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Carthage?
The job market in Carthage faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $837. There are 108 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 12.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Carthage?
The median home value in Carthage is $102,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,123. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 93.7%.
How are the schools in Carthage?
Schools in Carthage score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.5% of adults in Carthage hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Carthage?
The obesity rate in Carthage is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 52.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,314.
What is transportation like in Carthage?
The average commute in Carthage is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 52% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Carthage?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Carthage is 96.2% White. 87.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 87.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
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