Median Income
$53,750
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$45,000
84% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
262/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.0%
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.2%
47% higher than US avg
How Erwin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population50
Median Age55.5 yrs
Density104/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans41.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,750
Per Capita$27,074
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty18.2%
County GDP$370M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$45,000
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$248,681
Housing Units30
Rent Burden26.9%
Crime
F
Violent262/100K
Property2,215/100K
Health
Obesity35.3%
Smoking16.3%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain26.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,861 ft (567 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score5.83
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute33 min
Broadband18.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is Erwin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Erwin receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Erwin offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Erwin is $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 18.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Erwin is $45,000, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Erwin is below the national average at 262 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,215 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Erwin 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 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Erwin has a population of 50 with a density of 104 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 55.5 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 41.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 89.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.5yrs
Median Age
43% 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 Erwin is $53,750, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,074 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $920, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 265 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,750 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,074 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $920 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,392 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.2% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 265 |
| County GDP | $370M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,767 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 10.59% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Erwin is $45,000, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,681, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 30 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,767 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $45,000 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $248,681 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 30 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,767 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 10.59% |
In Erwin, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 21.0% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,596. The dentist ratio is 1:1,324. 25.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Erwin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,596 |
| Dentists | 1:1,324 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 69.4% |
| Premature Death | 4,945/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 25.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Erwin has a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,215 per 100,000, 13% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Erwin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Erwin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 262.2/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,215.4/100K |
| 13% above 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 |
Erwin 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 276 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 26.2 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 1,861 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,861 ft (567 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 104/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4880°N, 97.4409°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kingsbury County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.2"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 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 Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 16, 2022.
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
113 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
63 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
464 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 239 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
84 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PHEASANT OPENER (1,206 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Erwin has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Erwin. 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 Erwin
What is the population of Erwin?
Erwin has a population of 50 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 104 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Erwin expensive to live in?
Erwin 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 $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $45,000 (84% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Erwin safe?
Erwin is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,215 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Erwin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Erwin?
Erwin 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 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Erwin?
The job market in Erwin is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $920. There are 265 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Erwin?
The median home value in Erwin is $45,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,681. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,767.
How are the schools in Erwin?
Schools in Erwin score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.0% of adults in Erwin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Erwin?
The obesity rate in Erwin is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 25.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,596.
What is transportation like in Erwin?
The average commute in Erwin is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Erwin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Erwin is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 41.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.7% of residents have a disability. 89.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
