Median Income
$60,114
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$171,300
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
78/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.5%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$741
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.8%
29% lower than US avg
How Freeman Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,558
Median Age41.2 yrs
Density1,046/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,114
Per Capita$31,421
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty8.8%
County GDP$613M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$171,300
Rent$741
Ownership75.6%
Zillow$241,931
Housing Units614
Rent Burden24.2%
Crime
F
Violent78/100K
Property698/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary78/100K
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking15.0%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.0 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,521 ft (464 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.5%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 23%
Commute20 min
Broadband84.4%
Libraries5
Is Freeman a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Freeman receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Freeman offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Freeman is $60,114, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. 8.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Freeman is $171,300, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $741 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Freeman is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 698 per 100,000, 64% below the national average.
Education
19.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Freeman experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.0 inches, including 39.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Freeman has a population of 1,558 with a density of 1,046 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 41.2 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54% female and 46% male. The city is predominantly White (79.4%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90% of residents, while 10% speak Spanish. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.2yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.0%
15% above US avg
Spanish
10.0%
25% below US avg
The median household income in Freeman is $60,114, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,421 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $897, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 344 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,114 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,421 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $897 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,805 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.8% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 344 |
| County GDP | $613M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,420 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Freeman is $171,300, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $741 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 614 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $5,420 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $171,300 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $241,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $741 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.4% |
| Housing Units | 614 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,420 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.16% |
In Freeman, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 20.4% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:4,428. 36.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Freeman vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 30.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:4,428 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,514 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 67.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,883/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Freeman has a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 77.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 698 per 100,000, 64% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 310, burglary at 78, vehicle theft at 310 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Freeman receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Freeman vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 77.5/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 77.5/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 697.7/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| Burglary | 77.5/100K |
| Theft | 310.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 310.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Freeman experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°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 25.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.2 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 1,521 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,521 ft (464 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,046/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3475°N, 97.4308°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Turner County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.0"
34% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.2 / 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 Moderate |
| 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
11 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 |
135 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
112 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
98 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
93 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
49 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
146 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
91 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
69 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
619 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 361 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
49 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
26 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1967 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SIX PACK (1,649 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Freeman has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Freeman. 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 Freeman
What is the population of Freeman?
Freeman has a population of 1,558 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,046 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54% female and 46% male.
Is Freeman expensive to live in?
Freeman 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 $60,114, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $171,300 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $741 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Freeman safe?
Freeman is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 698 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Freeman receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Freeman?
Freeman has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.0 inches, with 39.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Freeman?
The job market in Freeman is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $897. There are 344 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Freeman?
The median home value in Freeman is $171,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $741. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,420.
How are the schools in Freeman?
Schools in Freeman score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.5% of adults in Freeman hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Freeman?
The obesity rate in Freeman is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 36.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Freeman?
The average commute in Freeman is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Freeman?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Freeman is 79.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 90% of residents speak only English at home, while 10% speak Spanish. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
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