Home Value
$47,100
83% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
282/100K
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.8%
83% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.8%
53% lower than US avg
How Hecla Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population204
Median Age64.5 yrs
Density600/mi²
Male / Female35% / 65%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
Per Capita$28,429
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.8%
County GDP$3,155M
Commute18 min
Housing
Home Value$47,100
Ownership95.2%
Zillow$211,244
Housing Units205
Rent Burden22.6%
Crime
F
Violent282/100K
Property1,976/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking13.5%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain22.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,302 ft (397 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.8%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score6.27
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute18 min
Broadband94.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Hecla a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hecla receives an overall livability score of 1.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Hecla faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hecla is $47,100, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hecla is below the national average at 282 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,976 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
5.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Hecla has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°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 22.5 inches, including 37.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Hecla has a population of 204 with a density of 600 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 64.5 years, 66% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 65.2% female and 34.8% male. The city is predominantly White (81.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.8% of residents, while 9.2% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
64.5yrs
Median Age
66% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.8%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.2%
31% below US avg
Per capita income is $28,429 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,047, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.8% 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 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 21.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $28,429 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,047 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,624 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.8% |
| 53% 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 | 13.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 34.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 21.2% |
The median home value in Hecla is $47,100, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,244, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 205 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $6,536 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $47,100 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $211,244 |
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 | 95.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.8% |
| Housing Units | 205 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 13.88% |
In Hecla, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 26.5% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 19.4% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% 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: Hecla vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.5% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 28.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,588 |
| Dentists | 1:1,582 |
| Mental Health | 1:219 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 73.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,876/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Hecla has a violent crime rate of 282 per 100,000 residents, 26% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,976 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hecla receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hecla vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 282.3/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,976.2/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hecla has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. 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 22.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.8 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 1,302 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.8°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,302 ft (397 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 600/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.8821°N, 98.1519°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.5"
41% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.39"
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
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.7 on Oct 20, 1995.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
146 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
374 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 46 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2005 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
82 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
77 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
40 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
91 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
4 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
66 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
96 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
95 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Hecla has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 11°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Hecla. 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 Hecla
What is the population of Hecla?
Hecla has a population of 204 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 600 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 64.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 65.2% female and 34.8% male.
Is Hecla expensive to live in?
Hecla is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $47,100 (83% below the U.S. median).
Is Hecla safe?
Hecla is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 282 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,976 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hecla receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hecla?
Hecla has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°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 22.5 inches, with 37.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Hecla?
The job market in Hecla is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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 18 minutes, and 21.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hecla?
The median home value in Hecla is $47,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,244. The homeownership rate is 95.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,536.
How are the schools in Hecla?
Schools in Hecla score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.8% of adults in Hecla hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hecla?
The obesity rate in Hecla is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 7.5% 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 Hecla?
The average commute in Hecla is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 34.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 21.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hecla?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hecla is 81.9% White. 90.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.2% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 85.2% have health insurance coverage.
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