Median Income
$82,083
9% higher than US avg
Home Value
$173,000
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.2%
7% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$954
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.4%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.0%
84% lower than US avg
How Groton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,794
Median Age34.0 yrs
Density1,025/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$82,083
Per Capita$38,361
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty2.0%
County GDP$3,155M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$173,000
Rent$954
Ownership76.3%
Zillow$241,049
Housing Units699
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity34.4%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking13.6%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain21.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,303 ft (397 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+31.2%
High School+96.4%
Graduate+8.6%
School Score6.27
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute19 min
Broadband88.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Groton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Groton receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Groton stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Groton is $82,083, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Groton is $173,000, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $954 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
Groton 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
31.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Groton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°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 21.8 inches, including 42.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Groton has a population of 1,794 with a density of 1,025 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 34.0 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.7% female and 53.3% male. The city is predominantly White (91.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 9.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.0yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Groton is $82,083, which is 9% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,361. The average weekly wage is $1,047, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,522 business establishments, including 102 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $82,083 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,361 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,047 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,624 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.0% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,522 |
| County GDP | $3,155M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 163 |
| Manufacturing | 42 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.7% |
The median home value in Groton is $173,000, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,049, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $954 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 699 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $6,536 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% 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 | $173,000 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $241,049 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $954 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.7% |
| Housing Units | 699 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.78% |
In Groton, 34.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 26.6% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,588. The dentist ratio is 1:1,582. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Groton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.4% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 29.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,588 |
| Dentists | 1:1,582 |
| Mental Health | 1:219 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 73.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,876/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Groton 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Groton 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 | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Groton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°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 21.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,303 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.1°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,303 ft (397 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,025/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4517°N, 98.1001°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.8"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 26, 2002.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
143 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
103 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
378 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 52 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
10 km |
1 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2005 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1999 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1996 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DANIELSON (1,682 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
88 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
15 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
50 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
22 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Groton has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 13°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Groton. 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 | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $591 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $443 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Groton
What is the population of Groton?
Groton has a population of 1,794 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,025 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.7% female and 53.3% male.
Is Groton expensive to live in?
Groton 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 $82,083, 9% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $173,000 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $954 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 Groton safe?
Groton 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Groton?
Groton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°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 21.8 inches, with 42.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Groton?
The job market in Groton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,047. There are 1,522 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 1.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Groton?
The median home value in Groton is $173,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,049. For renters, the median monthly rent is $954. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,536.
How are the schools in Groton?
Schools in Groton score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.2% of adults in Groton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.4% have completed high school. 8.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Groton?
The obesity rate in Groton is 34.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,588.
What is transportation like in Groton?
The average commute in Groton is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 93.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Groton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Groton is 91.1% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 9.3% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
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