Median Income
$49,464
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,700
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.7%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$738
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
41% lower than US avg
How Clark Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,181
Median Age55.1 yrs
Density875/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans10.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,464
Per Capita$40,215
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty7.3%
County GDP$337M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,700
Rent$738
Ownership79.2%
Zillow$185,536
Housing Units572
Rent Burden28.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property189/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary95/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured11.8%
Smoking16.6%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain24.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,808 ft (551 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.7%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute17 min
Broadband81.6%
Libraries1
Is Clark a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clark receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Clark offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clark is $49,464, 34% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clark is $125,700, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $738 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Clark 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 189 per 100,000, 90% below the national average.
Education
12.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Clark 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 24.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Clark has a population of 1,181 with a density of 875 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 55.1 years, 42% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (88.9%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95% of residents. 10.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.1yrs
Median Age
42% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.0%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.0%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Clark is $49,464, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,215. The average weekly wage is $899, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 188 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 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,464 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,215 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $899 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,140 |
| Gini Index | 0.501 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 188 |
| County GDP | $337M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 14 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
The median home value in Clark is $125,700, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,536, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $738 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $847 for a one-bedroom to $929 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 572 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. 28.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,700 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $185,536 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $738 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $641 |
| 1 Bedroom | $847 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $929 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,144 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,256 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.8% |
| Housing Units | 572 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
In Clark, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 11.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:1,956. 36.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clark vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 11.8% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,956 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 63.2% |
| Premature Death | 4,614/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Clark has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 189 per 100,000, 90% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 95, burglary at 95, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Clark receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Clark vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 189.4/100K |
| 90% below US avg |
| Burglary | 94.7/100K |
| Theft | 94.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Clark 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 24.0 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 1,808 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,808 ft (551 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 875/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.8809°N, 97.7348°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clark County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.0"
37% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very 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 |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 16, 2022.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
143 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
122 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
69 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
464 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 75 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
0 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TACOMA PARK PLACE (1,336 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
51 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
76 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Clark has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Clark. 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 Clark
What is the population of Clark?
Clark has a population of 1,181 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 875 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Clark expensive to live in?
Clark 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 $49,464, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,700 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $738 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clark safe?
Clark 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 189 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Clark receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clark?
Clark 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 24.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Clark?
Clark has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $899. There are 188 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clark?
The median home value in Clark is $125,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,536. For renters, the median monthly rent is $738. Fair market rent is $847 for a 1-bedroom and $929 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.2%.
How are the schools in Clark?
Schools in Clark score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.7% of adults in Clark hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clark?
The obesity rate in Clark is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 11.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 36.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Clark?
The average commute in Clark is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clark?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clark is 88.9% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 95% of residents speak only English at home, while 5% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
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