Median Income
$158,542
111% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
282/100K
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.6%
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Chelsea Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population57
Median Age49.1 yrs
Density178/mi²
Male / Female75% / 25%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans57.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$158,542
Per Capita$74,488
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,155M
Commute26 min
Housing
Ownership86.7%
Zillow$270,338
Housing Units17
Rent Burden22.6%
Crime
F
Violent282/100K
Property1,976/100K
Health
Obesity35.1%
Smoking14.9%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain23.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,346 ft (410 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.27
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute26 min
Broadband15.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Chelsea a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chelsea receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Chelsea offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chelsea is $158,542, which is significantly higher than the national average / 111% above $75,149. This places Chelsea among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Chelsea is below the national average at 282 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,976 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
27.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Chelsea 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 23.0 inches, including 43.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Chelsea has a population of 57 with a density of 178 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 49.1 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 24.6% female and 75.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 57.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 3.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.1yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Chelsea is $158,542, which is 111% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $74,488 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,047, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 1,522 business establishments, including 102 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $158,542 |
| 111% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $74,488 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,047 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,624 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,522 |
| County GDP | $3,155M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 163 |
| Manufacturing | 42 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,338. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 17 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,536 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.3% |
| Housing Units | 17 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg |
In Chelsea, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.0% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 22.0% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,588. The dentist ratio is 1:1,582. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chelsea vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.0% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.0% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,588 |
| Dentists | 1:1,582 |
| Mental Health | 1:219 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,876/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Chelsea has a violent crime rate of 282 per 100,000 residents, 26% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,976 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chelsea receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chelsea vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 282.3/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,976.2/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chelsea 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 23.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,346 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.8°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,346 ft (410 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 178/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1676°N, 98.7434°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.0"
40% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 15, 2017.
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
99 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
103 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
354 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 52 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
21 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
55 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1999 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROHRBACH (2,887 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
60 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
55 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
69 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
92 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 |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Chelsea has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Chelsea. 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 | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $591 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $443 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chelsea
What is the population of Chelsea?
Chelsea has a population of 57 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 178 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 24.6% female and 75.4% male.
Is Chelsea expensive to live in?
Chelsea 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 $158,542, 111% above the national average of $75,149.
Is Chelsea safe?
Chelsea is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 282 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,976 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Chelsea receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chelsea?
Chelsea 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 23.0 inches, with 43.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Chelsea?
The job market in Chelsea is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,047. There are 1,522 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Chelsea?
Schools in Chelsea score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.6% of adults in Chelsea hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chelsea?
The obesity rate in Chelsea is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 22.0% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,588.
What is transportation like in Chelsea?
The average commute in Chelsea is 26 minutes. 94.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chelsea?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chelsea is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 57.0% of the population are military veterans. 3.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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