Median Income
$87,768
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$178,600
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.7%
24% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,028
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.5%
88% lower than US avg
How Castlewood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population756
Median Age36.9 yrs
Density657/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$87,768
Per Capita$33,313
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty1.5%
County GDP$425M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$178,600
Rent$1,028
Ownership83.8%
Zillow$439,678
Housing Units273
Rent Burden37.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property528/100K
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking14.4%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain24.3 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,686 ft (514 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.7%
High School+97.9%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score6.23
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute24 min
Broadband72.6%
EV Stations5
Is Castlewood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Castlewood receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Castlewood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Castlewood is $87,768, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 1.5% 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 Castlewood is $178,600, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,028 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Castlewood is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 528 per 100,000, 73% below the national average.
Education
25.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Castlewood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Castlewood has a population of 756 with a density of 657 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 36.9 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (88.6%), with 5.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 86.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.9yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Castlewood vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Castlewood vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Castlewood is $87,768, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,313 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,068, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 279 business establishments, including 10 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. 2.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Castlewood vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $87,768 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,313 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,068 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,032 |
| Gini Index | 0.363 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.5% |
| 88% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 279 |
| County GDP | $425M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,783 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.3% |
The median home value in Castlewood is $178,600, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $439,678, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,028 (12% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 273 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $4,783 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 37.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $178,600 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $439,678 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,028 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.2% |
| Housing Units | 273 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,783 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.68% |
In Castlewood, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 20.9% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,255. 22.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Castlewood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,255 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 69.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,695/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 22.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Castlewood has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 528 per 100,000, 73% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Castlewood receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Castlewood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 528.4/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Castlewood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°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 24.3 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 1,686 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.7°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,686 ft (514 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 657/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7242°N, 97.0309°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hamlin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.3"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 26, 2002.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
120 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
119 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
427 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 58 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
93 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
79 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
79 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
77 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
77 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
79 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
80 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
80 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
79 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
76 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
76 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
99 km |
| 2002 |
ARTICHOKE |
548 |
99 km |
| 1993 |
LEE |
516 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Castlewood has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Castlewood. 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 Castlewood
What is the population of Castlewood?
Castlewood has a population of 756 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 657 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Castlewood expensive to live in?
Castlewood 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 $87,768, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $178,600 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,028 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Castlewood safe?
Castlewood is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 528 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Castlewood receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Castlewood?
Castlewood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Castlewood?
The job market in Castlewood is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,068. There are 279 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 2.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Castlewood?
The median home value in Castlewood is $178,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $439,678. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,028. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,783.
How are the schools in Castlewood?
Schools in Castlewood score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.7% of adults in Castlewood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Castlewood?
The obesity rate in Castlewood is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 22.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,255.
What is transportation like in Castlewood?
The average commute in Castlewood is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Castlewood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Castlewood is 88.6% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 10.0% of residents have a disability. 86.5% have health insurance coverage.
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