Median Income
$101,250
35% higher than US avg
Home Value
$284,400
1% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
524/100K
38% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.2%
7% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$919
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.6%
71% lower than US avg
How Dell Rapids Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,947
Median Age39.7 yrs
Density1,754/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans12.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$101,250
Per Capita$44,242
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty3.6%
County GDP$22,447M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$284,400
Rent$919
Ownership81.1%
Zillow$353,074
Housing Units1,595
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent524/100K
Property1,266/100K
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking12.5%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain29.6 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,516 ft (462 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.2%
High School+96.7%
Graduate+10.1%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 42%
Commute25 min
Broadband95.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries15
Is Dell Rapids a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dell Rapids receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Dell Rapids offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dell Rapids is $101,250, which is significantly higher than the national average / 35% above $75,149. This places Dell Rapids among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 3.6% 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 Dell Rapids is $284,400, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $919 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 524 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,266 per 100,000, 35% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Dell Rapids 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.
Dell Rapids has a population of 3,947 with a density of 1,754 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 39.7 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.7%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 12.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.7yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Dell Rapids vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Dell Rapids vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Dell Rapids is $101,250, which is 35% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,242 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,252, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.6% 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. 7.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Dell Rapids vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $101,250 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,242 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,252 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,803 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.6% |
| 71% 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 | 2.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
The median home value in Dell Rapids is $284,400, 1% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $353,074, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 89.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $919 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,595 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $6,828 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $284,400 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $353,074 |
| Median List Price | $279,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $279,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $102 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 89.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $919 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,595 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,828 |
| 95% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.40% |
In Dell Rapids, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 19.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.0% report depression. 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% 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: Dell Rapids vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.9% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 9.7% |
| Short Sleep | 27.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:979 |
| Dentists | 1:1,774 |
| Mental Health | 1:396 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 73.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,472/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 581 |
Dell Rapids has a violent crime rate of 524 per 100,000 residents, 38% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,266 per 100,000, 35% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dell Rapids receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dell Rapids vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 523.8/100K |
| 38% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,265.8/100K |
| 35% 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 |
Dell Rapids 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 1,516 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 | 1,516 ft (462 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,754/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8248°N, 96.7146°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)
3.62"
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 |
141 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
135 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
610 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 465 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
56 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
86 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
78 km |
6 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
50 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 |
58°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Dell Rapids 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 (3.6") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Dell Rapids. 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 Dell Rapids
What is the population of Dell Rapids?
Dell Rapids has a population of 3,947 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,754 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.7 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Dell Rapids expensive to live in?
Dell Rapids 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 $101,250, 35% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $284,400 (1% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $919 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dell Rapids safe?
The violent crime rate in Dell Rapids is 524 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,266 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dell Rapids receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dell Rapids?
Dell Rapids 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 Dell Rapids?
The job market in Dell Rapids is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate 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 7.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dell Rapids?
The median home value in Dell Rapids is $284,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $353,074. For renters, the median monthly rent is $919. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,828.
How are the schools in Dell Rapids?
Schools in Dell Rapids score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.2% of adults in Dell Rapids hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. 10.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dell Rapids?
The obesity rate in Dell Rapids is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 19.9% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 6.9% 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 Dell Rapids?
The average commute in Dell Rapids is 25 minutes. 86.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dell Rapids?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dell Rapids is 93.7% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 12.4% of the population are military veterans. 9.3% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
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