Fort Thompson, SD

South Dakota

Fort Thompson is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 1,134. Residents earn $45,313 per year, which is 40% below the national average.

2.8 /5.0
C+ Fair
1,134 Population 109/sq mi density
$45,313 Median Income $15,513 per capita
$110,300 Home Value
$515 Median Rent
47°F Avg Temperature
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.1 / 5.0
$45,313 median income, 6.2% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$110,300 home value, $515/mo rent
F
Education
1.3 / 5.0
4.3% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $45,313
40% lower than US avg
Home Value $110,300
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 4.3%
87% lower than US avg
Median Rent $515
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 49.8%
55% higher than US avg
Unemployment 6.2%
72% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 36.6%
195% higher than US avg

How Fort Thompson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population1,134
Median Age29.6 yrs
Density109/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 4%

Economy

C
Median Income$45,313
Per Capita$15,513
Unemployment6.2%
Poverty36.6%
County GDP$95M
Commute12 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$110,300
Rent$515
OwnershipN/A

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

Obesity49.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease9.4%

Climate

Avg Temp47°F
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.1 in/yr
Elevation1,437 ft

Education

F
Bachelor's+4.3%
High School+82.4%
School Score5.45

Community

2024 VoteR 35% / D 62%
Commute12 min

Is Fort Thompson a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Fort Thompson receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Fort Thompson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Fort Thompson is $45,313, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 36.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Fort Thompson is $110,300, 61% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $515 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

4.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.

Climate & Weather

Fort Thompson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.1 inches, including 18.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.

Fort Thompson has a population of 1,134 with a density of 109 people per square mile. The median age is 29.6 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Hispanic (96.2%), with 3.8% White.

Population

1,134
Total Population
109
People / sq mi
29.6yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
10.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 54.9%
Female 45.1%

Race & Ethnicity

Fort Thompson vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only93.1%
19% above US avg
Spanish6.9%
49% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Fort Thompson vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Fort Thompson is $45,313, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 6.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 36.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes.

Income: Fort Thompson vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$45,313
40% below US avg
Per Capita Income$15,513
Avg Weekly Wage$980
IRS Avg AGI$36,268

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment6.2%
72% above US avg
Poverty Rate36.6%
195% above US avg
Establishments (County)27
County GDP$95M

Business (County)

Healthcare3
Retail3

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time11.9 min
Work from Home3.8%

Walkability

The median home value in Fort Thompson is $110,300, 61% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $515 (56% below US avg).

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$110,300
61% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$515
56% below US avg

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$691
1 Bedroom$784
2 Bedrooms$990
3 Bedrooms$1,295
4 Bedrooms$1,540

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied43.9%

Property Tax

In Fort Thompson, 49.8% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 21.8% report depression. 38.3% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: Fort Thompson vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity49.8%
55% above US avg
Diabetes20.1%
Heart Disease9.4%
High Blood Pressure38.4%
Asthma14.3%
COPD10.6%
Stroke5.8%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Binge Drinking16.1%
Physical Inactivity38.3%
Depression21.8%
Mental Distress22.7%
Physical Distress20.2%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate53.8%
Checkup Rate74.3%
Premature Death46,418/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment5.2/10
Healthcare Facilities3

Crime Rates: Fort Thompson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Fort Thompson has an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation is 20.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.

Temperature

18°F Jan (-8°C) 74°F Jul (24°C)
Annual Average46.7°F
14% below US avg
January Average18°F (-8°C)
July Average74°F (24°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall20.1 inches
47% below US avg
Snowfall18.9 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median35.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,437 ft (438 m)
Area10.4 sq mi (26.9 km²)
Population Density109/sq mi
Coordinates44.0549°N, 99.4048°W
County FIPS46017
It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural. 4.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (87% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Democrat by a 27.3-point margin.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 35.2%
D 62.5%

Winner: Democrat by 27.3 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+4.3%
87% below US avg
High School+82.4%
School Test Score5.45
F Education Grade (1.3/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro — Rural
Population Density109/sq mi
Total Area10.4 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Healthcare Facilities3
Retail Stores3

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute11.9 min
Work from Home3.8%

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