Median Income
$54,688
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$134,400
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.6%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$777
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.1%
35% lower than US avg
How Ethan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population263
Median Age28.1 yrs
Density1,012/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,688
Per Capita$26,069
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty8.1%
County GDP$217M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,400
Rent$777
Ownership66.3%
Zillow$289,782
Housing Units112
Rent Burden21.7%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property205/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking16.4%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.3 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,344 ft (410 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.6%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.92
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute28 min
Broadband91.1%
EV Stations4
Is Ethan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ethan receives an overall livability score of 3.4 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 below-average incomes. Ethan offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ethan is $54,688, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 8.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ethan is $134,400, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $777 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ethan is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 205 per 100,000, 90% below the national average.
Education
16.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Ethan has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 16°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 25.3 inches, including 36.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Ethan has a population of 263 with a density of 1,012 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 28.1 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.8% female and 42.2% male. The city is predominantly White (87.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.9% of residents, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.1yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.9%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.1%
32% below US avg
The median household income in Ethan is $54,688, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,069 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $998, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.1% 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 28 minutes. 12.8% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,688 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,069 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $998 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,948 |
| Gini Index | 0.350 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.1% |
| 35% 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 | 2.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.8% |
The median home value in Ethan is $134,400, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,782, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.7% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $777 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 112 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $3,700. 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 | $134,400 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $289,782 |
| Median List Price | $319,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $319,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $138 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $777 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.7% |
| Housing Units | 112 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.75% |
In Ethan, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. 29.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ethan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 67.7% |
| Premature Death | 4,906/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 29.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Ethan has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 205 per 100,000, 90% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ethan receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Ethan vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 205.5/100K |
| 90% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Ethan has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 16°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 25.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,344 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,344 ft (410 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,012/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5463°N, 97.9834°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hanson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.3"
33% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.54"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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
12 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 |
114 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
85 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
48 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
93 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
57 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
88 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
106 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
41 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
86 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
548 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 252 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
33 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1965 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KAYLKOWSKI (1,966 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
94 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
85 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
59 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
35°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Ethan has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 22.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Ethan. 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 Ethan
What is the population of Ethan?
Ethan has a population of 263 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,012 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.8% female and 42.2% male.
Is Ethan expensive to live in?
Ethan 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 $54,688, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $134,400 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $777 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ethan safe?
Ethan is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 205 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ethan receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ethan?
Ethan has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 16°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 25.3 inches, with 36.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Ethan?
The job market in Ethan is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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 28 minutes, and 12.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ethan?
The median home value in Ethan is $134,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,782. For renters, the median monthly rent is $777. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,700.
How are the schools in Ethan?
Schools in Ethan score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.6% of adults in Ethan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ethan?
The obesity rate in Ethan is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 29.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Ethan?
The average commute in Ethan is 28 minutes. 73% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ethan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ethan is 87.1% White. 90.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
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