South Dakota
Hot Springs is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 3,506. Residents earn $49,688 per year, which is 34% below the national average.
Based on current data, Hot Springs receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Hot Springs has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Hot Springs is $49,688, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. The poverty rate of 26.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Hot Springs is $168,200, 40% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $854 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Hot Springs is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 690 per 100,000, 65% below the national average.
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Hot Springs experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.6 inches, including 32.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
| English Only | 96.4% |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 3.6% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $49,688 |
| 34% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $37,042 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $985 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,283 |
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 26.2% |
| 111% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 352 |
| County GDP | $372M |
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 35 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,050 |
| 44% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.00% |
| Commute Time | 17.7 min |
| Work from Home | 9.0% |
| Census Median | $168,200 |
| 40% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $335,202 |
| Census Median Rent | $854 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.2% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,050 |
| 44% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.00% |
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.3% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Insurance Rate | 82.1% |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Premature Death | 12,519/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
| Total Violent | 86.3/100K |
| 77% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 86.3/100K |
| Total Property | 690.1/100K |
| 65% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 230.0/100K |
| Theft | 402.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 57.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg | |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 18.6 inches |
| 51% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 32.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 3,405 ft (1,038 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 808/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4195°N, 103.4651°W |
| County FIPS | 46047 |
Winner: Republican by 49.3 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 18.2% |
| 46% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 87.4% |
| School Test Score | 5.45 |
| RUCC Code 9 | Nonmetro — Rural |
| Population Density | 808/sq mi |
| Total Area | 4.3 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 2 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 2 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Retail Stores | 35 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 17.7 min |
| Work from Home | 9.0% |