Median Income
$62,679
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,000
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.1%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$619
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
79% lower than US avg
How Emery Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population475
Median Age37.8 yrs
Density1,033/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,679
Per Capita$38,287
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty2.6%
County GDP$217M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,000
Rent$619
Ownership89.7%
Zillow$258,166
Housing Units210
Rent Burden14.8%
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking16.7%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
Rain27.9 in/yr
Elevation1,388 ft (423 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.1%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.92
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute26 min
Broadband90.3%
EV Stations4
Is Emery a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Emery receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Emery stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Emery is $62,679, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Emery is $125,000, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $619 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
26.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Emery experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches, including 36.3 inches of snow.
Emery has a population of 475 with a density of 1,033 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 37.8 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (94.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.8% of residents, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
475
Total Population
2023 Census
37.8yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.8%
21% above US avg
Spanish
7.5%
44% below US avg
The median household income in Emery is $62,679, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,287. The average weekly wage is $998, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 106 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,679 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,287 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $998 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,948 |
| Gini Index | 0.350 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 106 |
| County GDP | $217M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 10 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Emery is $125,000, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $258,166, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $619 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 210 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $3,700. 14.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,000 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $258,166 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $619 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.3% |
| Housing Units | 210 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.96% |
In Emery, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 29.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Emery vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 29.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.5% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 73.4% |
| Premature Death | 4,906/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 29.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Emery 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. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,388 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) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,388 ft (423 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,033/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6020°N, 97.6195°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hanson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.9"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.23"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 87.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| 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
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
139 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
112 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
72 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
121 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
65 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
136 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
65 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
591 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 259 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
17 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SIX PACK (1,649 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
93 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Emery has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Emery. 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 Emery
What is the population of Emery?
Emery has a population of 475 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,033 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.8 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.
Is Emery expensive to live in?
Emery 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 $62,679, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,000 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $619 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Emery?
Emery 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. Annual rainfall totals 27.9 inches, with 36.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Emery?
The job market in Emery is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $998. There are 106 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Emery?
The median home value in Emery is $125,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $258,166. For renters, the median monthly rent is $619. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,700.
How are the schools in Emery?
Schools in Emery score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.1% of adults in Emery hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Emery?
The obesity rate in Emery is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 10.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 29.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Emery?
The average commute in Emery is 26 minutes. 83.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Emery?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Emery is 94.5% White. 94.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.