Median Income
$59,667
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$127,000
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.2%
19% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$939
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How Gettysburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,344
Median Age46.8 yrs
Density700/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,667
Per Capita$37,182
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$149M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$127,000
Rent$939
Ownership79.5%
Zillow$150,184
Housing Units668
Rent Burden31.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property826/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary661/100K
Health
Obesity35.2%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking14.7%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation2,068 ft (630 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.2%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score6.28
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute11 min
Broadband88.9%
Libraries2
Is Gettysburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gettysburg receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Gettysburg offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gettysburg is $59,667, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gettysburg is $127,000, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $939 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Gettysburg 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 826 per 100,000, 58% below the national average.
Education
27.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Gettysburg has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 15°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 20.2 inches, including 38.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Gettysburg has a population of 1,344 with a density of 700 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 46.8 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.2% female and 46.8% male. The city is predominantly White (82.7%), with 6.3% Hispanic, 3.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.8yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Gettysburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Gettysburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Gettysburg is $59,667, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,182. The average weekly wage is $890, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 145 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Gettysburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,667 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,182 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $890 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,373 |
| Gini Index | 0.390 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 145 |
| County GDP | $149M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Gettysburg is $127,000, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $150,184, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $939 (19% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 668 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. 31.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $127,000 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $150,184 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $939 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.5% |
| Housing Units | 668 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
In Gettysburg, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 20.4% report binge drinking. 21.6% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,475. The dentist ratio is 1:2,438. 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gettysburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.6% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,475 |
| Dentists | 1:2,438 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,413 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 70.3% |
| Premature Death | 4,643/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Gettysburg has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 826 per 100,000, 58% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 165, burglary at 661, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Gettysburg receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Gettysburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 826.5/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| Burglary | 661.2/100K |
| Theft | 165.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Gettysburg has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 15°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 20.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 38.7 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 2,068 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.3°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,068 ft (630 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 700/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.0060°N, 99.9539°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Potter County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.2"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very 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 Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 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 |
59 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
82 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
126 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
19 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
238 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 30 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1973 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
83 km |
1 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1992 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1970 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LAPLANTE (14,777 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
LAPLANTE |
14,777 |
61 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,487 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
HOUCK RANCH |
8,746 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
THOMPSON COMPLEX |
3,230 |
84 km |
| 2000 |
CLOVER |
3,062 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
53 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE BEND |
2,789 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
1804 |
2,778 |
67 km |
| 2011 |
MOUND CITY |
2,755 |
86 km |
| 2023 |
LITTLE BEND RX |
2,574 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR BEAR |
2,179 |
35 km |
| 2006 |
FT PIERRE COMPLEX |
1,812 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,438 |
81 km |
| 2004 |
ALLEN STUECKLE |
1,330 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
52 km |
| 2021 |
FUZZY |
1,075 |
39 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Gettysburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Gettysburg. 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 Gettysburg
What is the population of Gettysburg?
Gettysburg has a population of 1,344 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 700 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.2% female and 46.8% male.
Is Gettysburg expensive to live in?
Gettysburg 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 $59,667, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $127,000 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $939 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gettysburg safe?
Gettysburg 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 826 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Gettysburg receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gettysburg?
Gettysburg has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°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 20.2 inches, with 38.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Gettysburg?
The job market in Gettysburg is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $890. There are 145 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gettysburg?
The median home value in Gettysburg is $127,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $150,184. For renters, the median monthly rent is $939. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.5%.
How are the schools in Gettysburg?
Schools in Gettysburg score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.2% of adults in Gettysburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gettysburg?
The obesity rate in Gettysburg is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 21.6% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,475.
What is transportation like in Gettysburg?
The average commute in Gettysburg is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gettysburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gettysburg is 82.7% White, 3.5% Black or African American, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
