Median Income
$68,672
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$100,000
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.8%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$860
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.7%
86% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.5%
88% lower than US avg
How Faulkton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population627
Median Age37.7 yrs
Density621/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$68,672
Per Capita$30,585
Unemployment6.7%
Poverty1.5%
County GDP$169M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$100,000
Rent$860
Ownership66.4%
Zillow$172,569
Housing Units394
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property550/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured10.2%
Smoking19.1%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain22.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,587 ft (484 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.8%
High School+83.8%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score6.44
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 16%
Commute12 min
Broadband86.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Faulkton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Faulkton receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Faulkton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Faulkton is $68,672, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Faulkton is $100,000, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $860 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Faulkton 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 550 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
21.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Faulkton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°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 22.0 inches, including 43.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Faulkton has a population of 627 with a density of 621 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 37.7 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (94.1%), with 5.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.7yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.6%
58% below US avg
The median household income in Faulkton is $68,672, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,585 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $818, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 126 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 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,672 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,585 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $818 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,770 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.7% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.5% |
| 88% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 126 |
| County GDP | $169M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Faulkton is $100,000, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,569, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $860 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 394 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $100,000 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $172,569 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $860 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.6% |
| Housing Units | 394 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
In Faulkton, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 19.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,137. 44.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Faulkton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.1% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,137 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 59.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,579/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Faulkton has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 550 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. Overall, Faulkton receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Faulkton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 550.2/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Faulkton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°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 22.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,587 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,587 ft (484 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 621/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.0342°N, 99.1267°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Faulk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.0"
42% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.07"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 90.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| 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: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on May 30, 2024.
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
118 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
126 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
104 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
69 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
340 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 52 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
38 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROHRBACH (2,887 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
43 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR BEAR |
2,179 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
87 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
43 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Faulkton has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Faulkton. 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 Faulkton
What is the population of Faulkton?
Faulkton has a population of 627 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 621 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.7 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Faulkton expensive to live in?
Faulkton 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 $68,672, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $100,000 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $860 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Faulkton safe?
Faulkton 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 550 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Faulkton receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Faulkton?
Faulkton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°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 22.0 inches, with 43.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Faulkton?
The unemployment rate in Faulkton is 6.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $818. There are 126 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Faulkton?
The median home value in Faulkton is $100,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,569. For renters, the median monthly rent is $860. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.4%.
How are the schools in Faulkton?
Schools in Faulkton score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.8% of adults in Faulkton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Faulkton?
The obesity rate in Faulkton is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.1% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 10.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 44.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,137.
What is transportation like in Faulkton?
The average commute in Faulkton is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Faulkton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Faulkton is 94.1% White, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
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