Violent Crime
429/100K
13% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$358
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.4%
48% higher than US avg
Unemployment
16.8%
367% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
85.2%
587% higher than US avg
How Horse Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population205
Median Age15.7 yrs
Density216/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans85.0%
Economy
Per Capita$3,460
Unemployment16.8%
Poverty85.2%
County GDP$71M
Housing
Rent$358
Ownership19.4%
Zillow$180,256
Housing Units47
Rent Burden24.6%
Crime
F
Violent429/100K
Property572/100K
Health
Obesity47.4%
Uninsured16.6%
Smoking34.6%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease8.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain21.7 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation2,003 ft (611 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+45.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.74
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Broadband36.0%
EV Stations1
Is Horse Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Horse Creek receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Horse Creek faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 16.8%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 85.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $358 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 429 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 572 per 100,000, 71% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 45.3% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Horse Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.7 inches, including 49.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Horse Creek has a population of 205 with a density of 216 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 15.7 years, 60% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%), with 2% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.1% of residents, while 19.9% speak Spanish. 85.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 76.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
15.7yrs
Median Age
60% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Horse Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.1%
2% above US avg
Spanish
19.9%
49% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Horse Creek vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $3,460 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $709, 50% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 16.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 85.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 44 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Horse Creek vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $3,460 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $709 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,545 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 16.8% |
| 367% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 85.2% |
| 587% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 44 |
| County GDP | $71M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 82.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,256. Monthly rent averages $358 (69% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 19.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 47 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. 24.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $358 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 19.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 19.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 80.6% |
| Housing Units | 47 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
In Horse Creek, 47.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 19.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.4% of residents, above the national average. 36.8% have high blood pressure. 34.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.3% report binge drinking. 37.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.5% report depression. 22.1% experience frequent mental distress. 16.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The food environment index is 3.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Horse Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.4% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 19.9% |
| Heart Disease | 8.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.8% |
| Asthma | 14.0% |
| COPD | 10.7% |
| Cancer | 5.0% |
| Stroke | 5.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 34.6% |
| 147% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.5% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 22.1% |
| Physical Distress | 19.9% |
| Short Sleep | 42.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.3% |
| Uninsured | 16.6% |
| 93% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 69.9% |
| Dental Visits | 36.8% |
| Premature Death | 32,895/100K |
Food & Exercise
Horse Creek has a violent crime rate of 429 per 100,000 residents, 13% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 572 per 100,000, 71% below the U.S. average. Overall, Horse Creek receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Horse Creek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 429.2/100K |
| 13% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 572.3/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Horse Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 291 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 21.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.1 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 2,003 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 47.4°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,003 ft (611 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 216/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5330°N, 100.7419°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mellette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.7"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.15"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 87.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
20 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
144 km |
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
99 km |
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
129 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
93 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
90 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
49 km |
| Apr 11, 2016 |
11 km E of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
30 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Jan 1, 2025 |
4 km S of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Apr 4, 2024 |
19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
104 km |
| Jul 7, 2024 |
11 km NNW of Merriman, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
99 km |
| Jun 16, 2021 |
15 km N of Quinn, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
127 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
233 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 31 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 23, 1973 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 2003 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1993 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1987 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1979 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1977 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1974 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: REGION 24 COMPLEX (66,349 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
REGION 24 COMPLEX |
66,349 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
COTTONWOOD CA |
41,775 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
LONGHORN COMPLEX |
41,443 |
49 km |
| 1988 |
LIGHTNING |
18,426 |
42 km |
| 2024 |
POWER DAM ROAD |
15,047 |
17 km |
| 2012 |
CROOKSTON |
14,962 |
61 km |
| 2011 |
OKREEK |
11,115 |
37 km |
| 1987 |
BIG FIRE |
9,107 |
26 km |
| 2021 |
DRY CREEK CA |
8,123 |
46 km |
| 2023 |
MCCANN |
7,110 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
WANBLEE TIMBER |
4,982 |
65 km |
| 1998 |
TNC |
4,683 |
88 km |
| 1991 |
YELLOWROBE |
4,679 |
18 km |
| 2012 |
TOWER |
4,599 |
11 km |
| 2006 |
THOMPSON COMPLEX |
3,230 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
WEST SF |
3,126 |
42 km |
| 2000 |
CLOVER |
3,062 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
LOOKING |
2,981 |
44 km |
| 2023 |
NENFR-HFR-FY23-RX-UNITS 35-36-39 |
2,936 |
80 km |
| 1988 |
CROOKSTON |
2,688 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Horse Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Horse Creek. 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 Horse Creek
What is the population of Horse Creek?
Horse Creek has a population of 205 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 216 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 15.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Horse Creek expensive to live in?
Horse Creek is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. Renters pay a median of $358 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Horse Creek safe?
The violent crime rate in Horse Creek is 429 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 572 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Horse Creek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Horse Creek?
Horse Creek has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.7 inches, with 49.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Horse Creek?
The job market in Horse Creek faces challenges, with unemployment at 16.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $709. There are 44 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Horse Creek?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $358. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 19.4%.
How are the schools in Horse Creek?
Schools in Horse Creek have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Horse Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 45.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Horse Creek?
The obesity rate in Horse Creek is 47.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 34.6% of adults are smokers. 37.5% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 16.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What are the demographics of Horse Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Horse Creek is 100% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Asian. 80.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.9% speak Spanish. 85.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability. 76.3% have health insurance coverage.
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