Fort Thompson, SD
Full City Profile · South Dakota · Buffalo County County
2.6
/5.0
C+
Fair
1,134
Population
109/sq mi density
$45,313
Median Income
$15,513 per capita
$110,300
Home Value
$240,737 Zillow
$515
Median Rent
21.4% income on rent
47°F
Avg Temperature
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
D
Economy
1.5 / 5.0
$45,313 median income, 12.3% 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
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. The area receives 18.9 inches of snow annually.
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
Air Quality
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)
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").