Median Income
$123,438
64% higher than US avg
Home Value
$495,000
76% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
40/100K
89% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
60.8%
80% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,211
4% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.8%
10% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.0%
35% lower than US avg
How Dakota Dunes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,129
Median Age42.1 yrs
Density1,672/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$123,438
Per Capita$68,587
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty8.0%
County GDP$2,419M
Commute12 min
Housing
A
Home Value$495,000
Rent$1,211
Ownership66.5%
Zillow$414,793
Housing Units1,593
Rent Burden29.1%
Crime
F
Violent40/100K
Property1,638/100K
Health
Obesity28.8%
Uninsured6.1%
Smoking10.2%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain30.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,086 ft (331 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+60.8%
High School+99.0%
Graduate+24.5%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute12 min
Broadband87.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Dakota Dunes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dakota Dunes receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Dakota Dunes offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dakota Dunes is $123,438, which is significantly higher than the national average / 64% above $75,149. This places Dakota Dunes among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. 8.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dakota Dunes is $495,000, making it a premium housing market at 76% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,211 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Dakota Dunes is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 40 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,638 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Dakota Dunes is a highly educated community / 60.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Dakota Dunes 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 35.
Dakota Dunes has a population of 4,129 with a density of 1,672 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age is 42.1 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.6% female and 53.4% male. The city is predominantly White (88.7%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.1yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Dakota Dunes vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.2%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Dakota Dunes vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Dakota Dunes is $123,438, which is 64% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $68,587 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,144, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.0% 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 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Dakota Dunes vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $123,438 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $68,587 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,144 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,044 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.0% |
| 35% 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 | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Dakota Dunes is $495,000, 76% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $414,793, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,211 (4% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,593 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2002. The average annual property tax is $4,248 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $495,000 |
| 76% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $414,793 |
| Median List Price | $604,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $604,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $169 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.5% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 16 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,211 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,593 |
| Median Year Built | 2002 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,248 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.86% |
In Dakota Dunes, 28.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 25.8% have high blood pressure. 10.2% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 20.8% report binge drinking. 16.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 19.9% report depression. 13.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.1% of residents lack health insurance (below 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 Dunes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.8% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.8% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 4.0% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.2% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.9% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 13.5% |
| Physical Distress | 9.0% |
| Short Sleep | 30.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.1% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,080 |
| Dentists | 1:3,006 |
| Mental Health | 1:394 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 74.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,312/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Dakota Dunes has a violent crime rate of 40 per 100,000 residents, 89% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,638 per 100,000, 16% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dakota Dunes receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dakota Dunes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 40.0/100K |
| 89% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,638.0/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dakota Dunes 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 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,086 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 | 1,086 ft (331 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,672/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4903°N, 96.4840°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dakota County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.3"
20% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| 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 |
87 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
97 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
123 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
119 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
630 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 223 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
82 km |
4 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
26 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 Dunes 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 Dunes. 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 | $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 Dunes
What is the population of Dakota Dunes?
Dakota Dunes has a population of 4,129 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,672 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.6% female and 53.4% male.
Is Dakota Dunes expensive to live in?
Dakota Dunes 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 $123,438, 64% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $495,000 (76% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,211 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dakota Dunes safe?
Dakota Dunes is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 40 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,638 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dakota Dunes receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dakota Dunes?
Dakota Dunes 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 35.
How is the job market in Dakota Dunes?
The job market in Dakota Dunes is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate 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 12 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dakota Dunes?
The median home value in Dakota Dunes is $495,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $414,793. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,211. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,248.
How are the schools in Dakota Dunes?
Schools in Dakota Dunes score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 60.8% of adults in Dakota Dunes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school. 24.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dakota Dunes?
The obesity rate in Dakota Dunes is 28.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.2% of adults are smokers. 16.9% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 6.1% lack health insurance (below 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 Dunes?
The average commute in Dakota Dunes is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dakota Dunes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dakota Dunes is 88.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
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