Median Income
$62,321
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$154,800
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
80/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Dolton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population42
Median Age60.3 yrs
Density162/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans42.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,321
Per Capita$65,155
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$406M
Housing
A+
Home Value$154,800
Ownership92.6%
Zillow$243,577
Housing Units24
Rent Burden21.7%
Crime
F
Violent80/100K
Property319/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Smoking13.8%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain27.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,448 ft (441 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+73.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 24%
Broadband27.0%
Is Dolton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dolton receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Dolton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dolton is $62,321, 17% below the national average of $75,149. 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%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dolton is $154,800, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Dolton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 319 per 100,000, 84% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Dolton 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 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Dolton has a population of 42 with a density of 162 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 60.3 years, 55% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.7% female and 64.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 42.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.3yrs
Median Age
55% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Dolton is $62,321, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $65,155 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $973, 32% 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 246 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,321 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $65,155 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $973 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,058 |
| Gini Index | 0.381 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 246 |
| County GDP | $406M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,817 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 75.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Dolton is $154,800, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,577, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 24 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,817 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $154,800 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $243,577 |
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 | 92.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.4% |
| Housing Units | 24 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,817 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.11% |
In Dolton, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 22.1% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,695. The dentist ratio is 1:5,778. 30.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dolton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.1% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:5,695 |
| Dentists | 1:5,778 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 68.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,584/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 30.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Dolton has a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 319 per 100,000, 84% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dolton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dolton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 79.9/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 319.5/100K |
| 84% below 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 |
Dolton 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 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 27.9 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 1,448 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.4°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,448 ft (441 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 162/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4911°N, 97.3848°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McCook County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.9"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
147 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
122 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
94 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
110 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
63 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
87 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
85 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
616 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 259 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
37 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
38 km |
1 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SIX PACK (1,649 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Dolton has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Dolton. 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 Dolton
What is the population of Dolton?
Dolton has a population of 42 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 162 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 35.7% female and 64.3% male.
Is Dolton expensive to live in?
Dolton 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 $62,321, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $154,800 (45% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dolton safe?
Dolton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 319 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dolton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dolton?
Dolton 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 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Dolton?
The job market in Dolton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $973. There are 246 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Dolton?
The median home value in Dolton is $154,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,577. The homeownership rate is 92.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,817.
How are the schools in Dolton?
Schools in Dolton score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Dolton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dolton?
The obesity rate in Dolton is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 22.1% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 30.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,695.
What are the demographics of Dolton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dolton is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 42.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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