Median Income
$99,500
32% higher than US avg
Home Value
$111,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.8%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,042
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.7%
54% lower than US avg
How Highmore Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population717
Median Age48.8 yrs
Density379/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans4.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$99,500
Per Capita$35,333
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.7%
County GDP$173M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,500
Rent$1,042
Ownership82.4%
Zillow$374,009
Housing Units362
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property550/100K
Health
Obesity35.1%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking17.0%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain22.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,887 ft (575 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.8%
High School+88.1%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score3.66
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 21%
Commute11 min
Broadband92.4%
Libraries1
Is Highmore a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Highmore receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Highmore offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Highmore is $99,500, which is significantly higher than the national average / 32% above $75,149. This places Highmore among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.7% 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 Highmore is $111,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,042 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Highmore 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 550 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
19.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Highmore experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.8 inches, including 40.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Highmore has a population of 717 with a density of 379 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 48.8 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (86.6%), with 13.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 4.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.8yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Highmore is $99,500, which is 32% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,333. The average weekly wage is $1,059, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 74 business establishments, including 18 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). 6.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $99,500 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,333 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,059 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,867 |
| Gini Index | 0.368 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.7% |
| 54% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 74 |
| County GDP | $173M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 5 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.0% |
| Public Transit | 2.9% |
| Work from Home | 6.2% |
The median home value in Highmore is $111,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $374,009, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,042 (10% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 362 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $374,009 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,042 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.6% |
| Housing Units | 362 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
In Highmore, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 23.0% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. 55.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Highmore vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 30.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 68.2% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Highmore has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 550 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. Overall, Highmore receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Highmore vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 550.2/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Highmore experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°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 22.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 40.0 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 1,887 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,887 ft (575 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 379/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.5214°N, 99.4393°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hyde County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR) 43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.8"
40% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.07"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very 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 Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
89 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
112 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
77 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
106 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
99 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
54 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
107 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
58 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
143 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
279 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 43 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1973 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: THOMPSON COMPLEX (3,230 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
THOMPSON COMPLEX |
3,230 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
CLOVER |
3,062 |
60 km |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
44 km |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
56 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR BEAR |
2,179 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
FT PIERRE COMPLEX |
1,812 |
67 km |
| 2011 |
HIGHWAY 47 |
1,800 |
57 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
46 km |
| 2000 |
BAD HORSE |
1,215 |
58 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
22 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Highmore has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Highmore. 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 Highmore
What is the population of Highmore?
Highmore has a population of 717 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 379 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Highmore expensive to live in?
Highmore 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 $99,500, 32% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,500 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,042 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Highmore safe?
Highmore 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 550 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Highmore receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Highmore?
Highmore has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.8 inches, with 40.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Highmore?
The job market in Highmore is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,059. There are 74 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 6.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Highmore?
The median home value in Highmore is $111,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $374,009. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,042. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.4%.
How are the schools in Highmore?
Schools in Highmore have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 19.8% of adults in Highmore hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Highmore?
The obesity rate in Highmore is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 55.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Highmore?
The average commute in Highmore is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76% of workers drive alone to work, 2.9% use public transit, and 6.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Highmore?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Highmore is 86.6% White, 13.4% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 4.6% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.