Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How Ideal Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population39
Median Age21.9 yrs
Density76/mi²
Male / Female5% / 95%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$12,369
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty9.1%
County GDP$353M
Housing
Ownership38.9%
Zillow$180,256
Housing Units21
Rent Burden36.8%
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured25.6%
Smoking23.0%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
Rain19.5 in/yr
Elevation1,885 ft (575 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+61.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Broadband61.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Ideal a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ideal receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Ideal offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 9.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 61.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Ideal experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 19.5 inches, including 49.1 inches of snow.
Ideal has a population of 39 with a density of 76 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 21.9 years, 44% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 94.9% female and 5.1% male. The city is predominantly White (0%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 55.3% of residents, while 48% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 74.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39
Total Population
2023 Census
21.9yrs
Median Age
44% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
55.3%
30% below US avg
Spanish
48.0%
258% above US avg
Per capita income is $12,369 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $954, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 263 business establishments, including 24 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
| |
| Per Capita Income | $12,369 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $954 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,372 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 263 |
| County GDP | $353M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 39 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,256. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 38.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 21 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. 36.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 38.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 38.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 61.1% |
| Housing Units | 21 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
In Ideal, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 23.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.4% report binge drinking. 29.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 25.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,114. The dentist ratio is 1:928. 69.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ideal vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.0% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.3% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 74.4% |
| Uninsured | 25.6% |
| 198% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,114 |
| Dentists | 1:928 |
| Mental Health | 1:234 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 55.4% |
| Premature Death | 13,290/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Ideal experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 19.5 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. The city sits at an elevation of 1,885 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,885 ft (575 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 76/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5400°N, 99.9218°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Tripp County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR)
61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.5"
49% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.72"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 82.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
120 km |
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
137 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
113 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
99 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
95 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
103 km |
| Apr 11, 2016 |
11 km E of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
63 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
96 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
69 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
109 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
61 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
72 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
65 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
270 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 47 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1973 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2002 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1993 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1993 |
EF2 |
40 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 |
83 km |
| 1988 |
LIGHTNING |
18,426 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
POWER DAM ROAD |
15,047 |
73 km |
| 2012 |
CROOKSTON |
14,962 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
OKREEK |
11,115 |
29 km |
| 1987 |
BIG FIRE |
9,107 |
78 km |
| 2021 |
DRY CREEK CA |
8,123 |
88 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,910 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
TNC |
4,683 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
YELLOWROBE |
4,679 |
72 km |
| 2012 |
TOWER |
4,599 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
THOMPSON COMPLEX |
3,230 |
80 km |
| 2022 |
WEST SF |
3,126 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
CLOVER |
3,062 |
64 km |
| 2002 |
LOOKING |
2,981 |
92 km |
| 2023 |
NENFR-HFR-FY23-RX-UNITS 35-36-39 |
2,936 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
83 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,875 |
90 km |
| 1988 |
CROOKSTON |
2,688 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
WHIPPLE CAMP |
2,643 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-3°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Ideal has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Ideal. 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 Ideal
What is the population of Ideal?
Ideal has a population of 39 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 76 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 94.9% female and 5.1% male.
Is Ideal expensive to live in?
Ideal is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100.
What is the weather like in Ideal?
Ideal has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 19.5 inches, with 49.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Ideal?
The job market in Ideal is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $954. There are 263 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Ideal?
Schools in Ideal score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Ideal hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 61.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ideal?
The obesity rate in Ideal is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.0% of adults are smokers. 29.3% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 25.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 69.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,114.
What are the demographics of Ideal?
55.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 48% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 74.4% have health insurance coverage.