Violent Crime
348/100K
8% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.6%
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.2%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Cow Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population64
Median Age46.3 yrs
Density35/mi²
Male / Female81% / 19%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans54.0%
Economy
Per Capita$41,870
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$186M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$300,384
Housing Units73
Rent Burden21.6%
Crime
F
Violent348/100K
Property3,108/100K
Health
Obesity33.2%
Smoking13.3%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain21.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,662 ft (507 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+17.2%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Broadband13.0%
EV Stations7
Is Cow Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cow Creek receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Cow Creek faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
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%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cow Creek is below the national average at 348 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,108 per 100,000, 59% above the national average.
Education
22.6% 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 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Cow Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.1 inches, including 48.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Cow Creek has a population of 64 with a density of 35 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 46.3 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 18.8% female and 81.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 54.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.3yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cow Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cow Creek vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $41,870. The average weekly wage is $904, 37% 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 153 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 75.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cow Creek vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $41,870 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $92,307 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 153 |
| County GDP | $186M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,280 |
| 137% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 24.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 75.5% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,384. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 73 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2006. The average annual property tax is $8,280 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.6% 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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 73 |
| Median Year Built | 2006 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,280 |
| 137% above US avg |
In Cow Creek, 33.2% 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. 27.0% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 20.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.3% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,011. The dentist ratio is 1:2,999. 48.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cow Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.2% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.0% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.0% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 26.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,011 |
| Dentists | 1:2,999 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,043 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 76.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,949/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Cow Creek has a violent crime rate of 348 per 100,000 residents, 8% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,108 per 100,000, 59% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cow Creek receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cow Creek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 348.5/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,107.9/100K |
| 59% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cow Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°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 21.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.8 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 1,662 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 46.0°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,662 ft (507 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 35/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.5493°N, 100.4680°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stanley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.1"
45% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on May 30, 2024.
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
16 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
25 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
68 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
51 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
98 km |
| Jun 16, 2021 |
15 km N of Quinn, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
188 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 28 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1973 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1992 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1987 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1970 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1961 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1960 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LAPLANTE (14,777 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
LAPLANTE |
14,777 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
GENO H. |
10,423 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
HOUCK RANCH |
8,746 |
40 km |
| 2021 |
DRY CREEK CA |
8,123 |
76 km |
| 2000 |
JENSEN |
4,739 |
80 km |
| 2000 |
HAYES |
4,627 |
48 km |
| 2020 |
BENT RIM |
3,665 |
73 km |
| 2006 |
THOMPSON COMPLEX |
3,230 |
48 km |
| 2000 |
CLOVER |
3,062 |
64 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE BEND |
2,789 |
32 km |
| 2021 |
WHIPPLE CAMP |
2,643 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
RATTLE SNAKE BUTTE |
2,590 |
98 km |
| 2023 |
LITTLE BEND RX |
2,574 |
32 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR BEAR |
2,179 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
FT PIERRE COMPLEX |
1,812 |
38 km |
| 2011 |
HIGHWAY 47 |
1,800 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
97 km |
| 2001 |
VAN METRE |
1,336 |
47 km |
| 2000 |
BAD HORSE |
1,215 |
76 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Cow Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.9") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Cow Creek. 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 Cow Creek
What is the population of Cow Creek?
Cow Creek has a population of 64 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 35 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 18.8% female and 81.3% male.
Is Cow Creek expensive to live in?
Cow Creek is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Cow Creek safe?
Cow Creek is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 348 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,108 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cow Creek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cow Creek?
Cow Creek has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.1 inches, with 48.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Cow Creek?
The job market in Cow Creek is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 153 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Cow Creek?
Schools in Cow Creek score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.6% of adults in Cow Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 17.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cow Creek?
The obesity rate in Cow Creek is 33.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 20.0% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 48.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,011.
What are the demographics of Cow Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cow Creek is 100% White. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 54.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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