Median Income
$22,679
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Clear Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population30
Median Age68.1 yrs
Density9/mi²
Male / Female17% / 83%
Largest GroupWhite 20%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$22,679
Per Capita$17,443
Unemployment0.0%
County GDP$553M
Housing
Ownership11.5%
Zillow$450,491
Housing Units628
Rent Burden20.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property528/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking16.8%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain27.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,837 ft (560 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Broadband79.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Clear Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clear Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Clear Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clear Lake is $22,679, 70% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%.
Safety & Crime
Clear Lake 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
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Clear Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.5 inches, including 60.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Clear Lake has a population of 30 with a density of 9 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 68.1 years, 75% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 83.3% female and 16.7% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (76.7%), with 20% White, 3.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
68.1yrs
Median Age
75% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Clear Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Clear Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Clear Lake is $22,679, which is 70% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,443 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,023, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 200 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Clear Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $22,679 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,443 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,023 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,094 |
| Gini Index | 0.381 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 200 |
| County GDP | $553M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 16 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,600 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 79.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $450,491. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 11.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 628 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $3,600. 20.5% 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 | 11.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 11.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 88.5% |
| Housing Units | 628 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,600 |
| 3% above US avg |
In Clear Lake, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,272. The dentist ratio is 1:4,352. 51.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clear Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,272 |
| Dentists | 1:4,352 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,408/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Clear Lake 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 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Clear Lake receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Clear Lake 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) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Clear Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 70°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 27.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 60.7 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 1,837 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.4°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,837 ft (560 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 9/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7563°N, 96.6902°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Deuel County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.5"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively 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
4 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 |
107 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
116 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
429 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 12 fatalities, 218 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
99 km |
9 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2000 |
EF2 |
95 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 |
63 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
69 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
60 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
59 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
59 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
59 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
61 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
88 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
60 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
59 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
60 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
59 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
60 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
58 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
79 km |
| 2002 |
ARTICHOKE |
548 |
79 km |
| 1997 |
ROBIN HOOD |
542 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Clear Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Clear Lake. 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 Clear Lake
What is the population of Clear Lake?
Clear Lake has a population of 30 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 9 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 68.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 83.3% female and 16.7% male.
Is Clear Lake expensive to live in?
Clear Lake 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 $22,679, 70% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Clear Lake safe?
Clear Lake 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, Clear Lake receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clear Lake?
Clear Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.5 inches, with 60.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Clear Lake?
The job market in Clear Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,023. There are 200 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Clear Lake?
Schools in Clear Lake score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Clear Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clear Lake?
The obesity rate in Clear Lake is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 51.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,272.
What are the demographics of Clear Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clear Lake is 20% White, 3.3% Black or African American, 76.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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