Median Income
$82,639
10% higher than US avg
Home Value
$186,000
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
142/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.7%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$739
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.8%
33% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.2%
42% lower than US avg
How Colton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population802
Median Age37.1 yrs
Density1,146/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$82,639
Per Capita$33,188
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty7.2%
County GDP$22,447M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$186,000
Rent$739
Ownership71.5%
Zillow$314,393
Housing Units368
Rent Burden15.0%
Crime
F
Violent142/100K
Property1,332/100K
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking13.3%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain29.6 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,601 ft (488 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.7%
High School+97.3%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 42%
Commute25 min
Broadband86.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries15
Is Colton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Colton receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Colton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Colton is $82,639, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Colton is $186,000, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $739 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Colton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,332 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Colton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Colton has a population of 802 with a density of 1,146 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 37.1 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.9%), with 2.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.1yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Colton is $82,639, which is 10% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,188 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,252, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,989 business establishments, including 558 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 7.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $82,639 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,188 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,252 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,803 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.2% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,989 |
| County GDP | $22,447M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 558 |
| Healthcare | 581 |
| Retail | 804 |
| Manufacturing | 192 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,828 |
| 95% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.5% |
The median home value in Colton is $186,000, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $314,393, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $739 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 368 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $6,828 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 15.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $186,000 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $314,393 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $739 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.5% |
| Housing Units | 368 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,828 |
| 95% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.67% |
In Colton, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 20.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.0% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:979. The dentist ratio is 1:1,774. 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Colton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.7% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.0% |
| Short Sleep | 28.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:979 |
| Dentists | 1:1,774 |
| Mental Health | 1:396 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 71.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,472/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 581 |
Colton has a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,332 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Colton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Colton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 141.7/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,332.0/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Colton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 291 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 29.6 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 1,601 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,601 ft (488 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,146/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7875°N, 96.9286°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Minnehaha County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.6"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0443 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 8.4 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.16 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.24 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 89.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
118 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
615 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 12 fatalities, 321 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
61 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Colton has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Colton. 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 | $772 |
| Toddler | $772 |
| Preschool | $724 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $518 |
| Toddler | $518 |
| Preschool | $499 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Colton
What is the population of Colton?
Colton has a population of 802 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,146 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.1 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Colton expensive to live in?
Colton 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 $82,639, 10% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $186,000 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $739 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Colton safe?
Colton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,332 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Colton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Colton?
Colton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Colton?
Colton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,252. There are 9,989 business establishments in the area, including 558 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 7.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Colton?
The median home value in Colton is $186,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $314,393. For renters, the median monthly rent is $739. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,828.
How are the schools in Colton?
Schools in Colton score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.7% of adults in Colton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Colton?
The obesity rate in Colton is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 20.7% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:979.
What is transportation like in Colton?
The average commute in Colton is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Colton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Colton is 94.9% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
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