Median Income
$83,250
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$228,400
19% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
215/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.8%
3% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$801
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.0%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Elk Point Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,391
Median Age33.9 yrs
Density1,543/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,250
Per Capita$33,728
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$2,261M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$228,400
Rent$801
Ownership74.7%
Zillow$280,678
Housing Units854
Rent Burden31.9%
Crime
F
Violent215/100K
Property54/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault215/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity32.0%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking14.4%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain28.0 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,126 ft (343 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.8%
High School+95.4%
Graduate+10.9%
School Score6.22
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute21 min
Broadband84.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Elk Point a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elk Point receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Elk Point offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elk Point is $83,250, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elk Point is $228,400, 19% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $801 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Elk Point is below the national average at 215 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 54 per 100,000, 97% below the national average.
Education
32.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Elk Point experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°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 28.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Elk Point has a population of 2,391 with a density of 1,543 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 33.9 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.9yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Elk Point 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
Elk Point vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Elk Point is $83,250, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,728 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,409. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 878 business establishments, including 44 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Elk Point vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,250 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,728 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,409 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $187,706 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 878 |
| County GDP | $2,261M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 79 |
| Retail | 50 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $11,271 |
| 222% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Elk Point is $228,400, 19% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,678, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $801 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 854 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $11,271 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $228,400 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $280,678 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $801 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.3% |
| Housing Units | 854 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $11,271 |
| 222% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.93% |
In Elk Point, 32.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,109. The dentist ratio is 1:1,138. 70.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elk Point vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,109 |
| Dentists | 1:1,138 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,148 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 68.1% |
| Premature Death | 4,783/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 79 |
Elk Point has a violent crime rate of 215 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 215.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 54 per 100,000, 97% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 54 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elk Point receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elk Point vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 215.4/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 215.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 53.9/100K |
| 97% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 53.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
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 |
Elk Point experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°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 28.0 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 1,126 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.8°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,126 ft (343 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,543/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6812°N, 96.6805°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Union County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.0"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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
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 |
73 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
105 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
121 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
130 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
93 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
652 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 290 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
90 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 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Elk Point has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Elk Point. 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 | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $591 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $443 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elk Point
What is the population of Elk Point?
Elk Point has a population of 2,391 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,543 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Elk Point expensive to live in?
Elk Point 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 $83,250, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $228,400 (19% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $801 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elk Point safe?
Elk Point is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 215 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 54 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elk Point receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elk Point?
Elk Point has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°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 28.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Elk Point?
The job market in Elk Point is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,409. There are 878 business establishments in the area, including 44 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elk Point?
The median home value in Elk Point is $228,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,678. For renters, the median monthly rent is $801. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.7%. The average annual property tax is $11,271.
How are the schools in Elk Point?
Schools in Elk Point score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.8% of adults in Elk Point hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. 10.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elk Point?
The obesity rate in Elk Point is 32.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 70.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,109.
What is transportation like in Elk Point?
The average commute in Elk Point is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elk Point?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elk Point is 94.6% White, 0.6% Black or African American. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
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