Median Income
$104,375
39% higher than US avg
Home Value
$175,000
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
262/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.4%
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.4%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Hazel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population132
Median Age27.5 yrs
Density550/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans71.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$104,375
Per Capita$31,710
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$425M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$175,000
Ownership92.3%
Zillow$487,240
Housing Units49
Rent Burden20.6%
Crime
F
Violent262/100K
Property2,215/100K
Health
Obesity34.4%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking16.2%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain24.7 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,765 ft (538 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.4%
High School+86.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.23
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute30 min
Broadband39.0%
EV Stations5
Is Hazel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hazel receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Hazel offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hazel is $104,375, which is significantly higher than the national average / 39% above $75,149. This places Hazel among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hazel is $175,000, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hazel is below the national average at 262 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,215 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Hazel has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Hazel has a population of 132 with a density of 550 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 27.5 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.2% female and 56.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 71.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.5yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Hazel is $104,375, which is 39% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,710 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,068, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 279 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $104,375 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,710 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,068 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,032 |
| Gini Index | 0.363 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 279 |
| County GDP | $425M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,783 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Hazel is $175,000, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $487,240, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 49 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $4,783 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $175,000 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $487,240 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.7% |
| Housing Units | 49 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,783 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.73% |
In Hazel, 34.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 26.6% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 19.8% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,255. 22.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hazel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.4% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,255 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.8% |
| Dental Visits | 66.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,695/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 22.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Hazel has a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,215 per 100,000, 13% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hazel receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hazel vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 262.2/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,215.4/100K |
| 13% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hazel has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°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 24.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,765 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.7°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,765 ft (538 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 550/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7582°N, 97.3810°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hamlin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.7"
35% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.4 / 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 Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 16, 2022.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
133 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
121 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
80 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
448 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 56 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FISH FIRE (1,799 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
95 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
98 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
99 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
74 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
97 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
94 km |
| 1993 |
LEE |
516 |
94 km |
| 1995 |
ANDREASON |
507 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Hazel has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Hazel. 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 Hazel
What is the population of Hazel?
Hazel has a population of 132 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 550 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.2% female and 56.8% male.
Is Hazel expensive to live in?
Hazel 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 $104,375, 39% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $175,000 (38% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hazel safe?
Hazel is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,215 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hazel receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hazel?
Hazel 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 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Hazel?
The job market in Hazel is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,068. There are 279 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hazel?
The median home value in Hazel is $175,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $487,240. The homeownership rate is 92.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,783.
How are the schools in Hazel?
Schools in Hazel score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.4% of adults in Hazel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hazel?
The obesity rate in Hazel is 34.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 22.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,255.
What is transportation like in Hazel?
The average commute in Hazel is 30 minutes. 68.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hazel?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hazel is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 71.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.