Median Income
$80,433
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$170,200
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
156/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.8%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,046
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.1%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.8%
37% lower than US avg
How Dakota City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,980
Median Age28.6 yrs
Density2,129/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$80,433
Per Capita$26,946
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty7.8%
County GDP$2,419M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$170,200
Rent$1,046
Ownership83.1%
Zillow$237,962
Housing Units760
Rent Burden28.0%
Crime
F
Violent156/100K
Property3,662/100K
Health
Obesity43.1%
Uninsured16.2%
Smoking14.7%
Depression16.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain30.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,098 ft (335 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.8%
High School+79.8%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score4.80
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute14 min
Broadband78.4%
EV Stations5
Libraries3
Is Dakota City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dakota City receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Dakota City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dakota City is $80,433, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dakota City is $170,200, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,046 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Dakota City is below the national average at 156 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,662 per 100,000, 87% above the national average.
Education
12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Dakota City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Dakota City has a population of 2,980 with a density of 2,129 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 28.6 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (56.9%), with 6.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 66.9% of residents, while 33.1% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.6yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Dakota City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
66.9%
15% below US avg
Spanish
33.1%
147% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Dakota City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Dakota City is $80,433, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,946 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,144, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 504 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Dakota City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,433 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,946 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,144 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,044 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.8% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 504 |
| County GDP | $2,419M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 39 |
| Retail | 60 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,248 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
The median home value in Dakota City is $170,200, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,962, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 101.6% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,046 (10% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $925 for a one-bedroom to $1,154 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 760 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $4,248 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $170,200 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $237,962 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $128 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.6% |
| Price Drops | 100.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,046 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $796 |
| 1 Bedroom | $925 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,154 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,386 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,528 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.9% |
| Housing Units | 760 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,248 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.50% |
In Dakota City, 43.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 30.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 16.2% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 14.5% experience frequent mental distress. 16.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,080. The dentist ratio is 1:3,006. 86.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dakota City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.1% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 8.6% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.8% |
| Depression | 16.2% |
| Mental Distress | 14.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 16.2% |
| 88% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,080 |
| Dentists | 1:3,006 |
| Mental Health | 1:394 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 57.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,312/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Dakota City has a violent crime rate of 156 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,662 per 100,000, 87% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dakota City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dakota City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 156.3/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,661.8/100K |
| 87% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dakota City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,098 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.0°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,098 ft (335 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,129/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4181°N, 96.4207°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dakota County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.3"
20% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
93 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
94 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
124 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
117 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
621 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 225 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
73 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Dakota City has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Dakota City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,055 |
| Toddler | $979 |
| Preschool | $888 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dakota City
What is the population of Dakota City?
Dakota City has a population of 2,980 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 2,129 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Dakota City expensive to live in?
Dakota City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $80,433, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $170,200 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,046 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dakota City safe?
Dakota City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 156 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,662 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dakota City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dakota City?
Dakota City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Dakota City?
Dakota City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,144. There are 504 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 2.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dakota City?
The median home value in Dakota City is $170,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,962. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,046. Fair market rent is $925 for a 1-bedroom and $1,154 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,248.
How are the schools in Dakota City?
Schools in Dakota City have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.8% of adults in Dakota City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.8% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dakota City?
The obesity rate in Dakota City is 43.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 30.8% are physically inactive. 16.2% of residents report depression. 16.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 86.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,080.
What is transportation like in Dakota City?
The average commute in Dakota City is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dakota City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dakota City is 56.9% White, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino. 66.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 33.1% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
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