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
12.3%
242% 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%
Veterans10.2%
Economy
D
Median Income$45,313
Per Capita$15,513
Unemployment12.3%
Poverty36.6%
County GDP$95M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,300
Rent$515
Ownership43.9%
Zillow$240,737
Housing Units347
Rent Burden21.4%
Health
Obesity49.8%
Uninsured50.4%
Smoking33.5%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease9.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
Rain20.1 in/yr
Elevation1,437 ft (438 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.3%
High School+82.4%
Graduate+0.2%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 35% / D 62%
Commute12 min
Broadband56.7%
EV Stations1
Is Fort Thompson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Thompson receives an overall livability score of 2.6 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, a high uninsured rate. 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. At 12.3%, unemployment is notably high. 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.
Fort Thompson has a population of 1,134 with a density of 109 people per square mile, spread across 12.6 square miles. The median age is 29.6 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.1% female and 54.9% male. The city is predominantly White (3.8%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents, while 6.9% speak Spanish. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 49.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,134
Total Population
2023 Census
29.6yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Thompson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
6.9%
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. Per capita income is $15,513 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 36.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 27 business establishments, including 26 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). 3.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Thompson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,313 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,513 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $36,268 |
| Gini Index | 0.471 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.3% |
| 242% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 36.6% |
| 195% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 27 |
| County GDP | $95M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 3 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
The median home value in Fort Thompson is $110,300, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,737, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $515 (56% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 43.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 347 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. 21.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,300 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $240,737 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $515 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 43.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 43.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 56.1% |
| Housing Units | 347 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
In Fort Thompson, 49.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 20.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.4% of residents, above the national average. 38.4% have high blood pressure. 33.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.1% report binge drinking. 38.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.8% report depression. 22.7% experience frequent mental distress. 50.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:372. The food environment index is 5.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Thompson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 49.8% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 20.1% |
| Heart Disease | 9.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.4% |
| Asthma | 14.3% |
| COPD | 10.6% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 5.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 33.5% |
| 139% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.3% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 22.7% |
| Physical Distress | 20.2% |
| Short Sleep | 39.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 49.6% |
| Uninsured | 50.4% |
| 486% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:372 |
| Mental Health | 1:377 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 44.7% |
| Premature Death | 46,418/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.2/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Fort Thompson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 18.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,437 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,437 ft (438 m) |
| Area | 12.6 sq mi (32.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 109/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0549°N, 99.4048°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buffalo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.1"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.82"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 66.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 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 |
149 km |
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
115 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
128 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
80 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
83 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
88 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
98 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
57 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
10 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
91 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
87 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
302 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 50 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1973 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1993 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OKREEK (11,115 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
OKREEK |
11,115 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
THOMPSON COMPLEX |
3,230 |
55 km |
| 2000 |
CLOVER |
3,062 |
43 km |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
12 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
42 km |
| 2000 |
NOVOTNY AND WAGNER |
1,968 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
FT PIERRE COMPLEX |
1,812 |
68 km |
| 2011 |
HIGHWAY 47 |
1,800 |
9 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
6 km |
| 2014 |
OKREEK |
1,273 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
BAD HORSE |
1,215 |
31 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
74 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
85 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Fort Thompson has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 18°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Fort Thompson. 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 Fort Thompson
What is the population of Fort Thompson?
Fort Thompson has a population of 1,134 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 109 people per square mile, spread across 12.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.1% female and 54.9% male.
Is Fort Thompson expensive to live in?
Fort Thompson 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 $45,313, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,300 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $515 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Fort Thompson?
Fort Thompson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 20.1 inches, with 18.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fort Thompson?
The job market in Fort Thompson faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 27 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 3.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Thompson?
The median home value in Fort Thompson is $110,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,737. For renters, the median monthly rent is $515. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 43.9%.
How are the schools in Fort Thompson?
Schools in Fort Thompson score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.3% of adults in Fort Thompson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. 0.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Thompson?
The obesity rate in Fort Thompson is 49.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 33.5% of adults are smokers. 38.3% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 50.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Fort Thompson?
The average commute in Fort Thompson is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Thompson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Thompson is 3.8% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.9% speak Spanish. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability. 49.6% have health insurance coverage.