Median Income
$59,091
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,100
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.9%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$781
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.5%
64% lower than US avg
How Irene Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population521
Median Age37.3 yrs
Density2,004/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,091
Per Capita$30,102
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty4.5%
County GDP$1,759M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,100
Rent$781
Ownership64.0%
Zillow$281,908
Housing Units228
Rent Burden18.9%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking15.2%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain26.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,395 ft (425 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.9%
High School+86.9%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.91
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 36%
Commute32 min
Broadband83.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Irene a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Irene receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Irene offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Irene is $59,091, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Irene is $87,100, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $781 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Irene 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
15.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Irene 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 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.9 inches, including 30.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Irene has a population of 521 with a density of 2,004 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 37.3 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (91.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 87.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.3yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Irene is $59,091, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,102 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,068, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 864 business establishments, including 74 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,091 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,102 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,068 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,527 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.5% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 864 |
| County GDP | $1,759M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 74 |
| Healthcare | 71 |
| Retail | 106 |
| Manufacturing | 35 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,942 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Irene is $87,100, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $281,908, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $781 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 228 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,942 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,100 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $281,908 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $781 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.0% |
| Housing Units | 228 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,942 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.82% |
In Irene, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:971. The dentist ratio is 1:1,798. 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Irene vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 29.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:971 |
| Dentists | 1:1,798 |
| Mental Health | 1:128 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 68.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,346/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 71 |
Irene has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Irene vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Irene 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 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 26.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.5 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 1,395 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.4°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,395 ft (425 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,004/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0837°N, 97.1576°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Yankton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.9"
29% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 66.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.6 / 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 |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
146 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
128 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
71 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
58 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
126 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
63 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
640 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 340 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
85 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
11 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1968 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1967 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SIX PACK (1,649 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Irene has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Irene. 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 Irene
What is the population of Irene?
Irene has a population of 521 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 2,004 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.3 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Irene expensive to live in?
Irene 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 $59,091, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,100 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $781 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Irene safe?
Irene 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Irene?
Irene 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 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.9 inches, with 30.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Irene?
The job market in Irene is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,068. There are 864 business establishments in the area, including 74 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Irene?
The median home value in Irene is $87,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $281,908. For renters, the median monthly rent is $781. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,942.
How are the schools in Irene?
Schools in Irene score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.9% of adults in Irene hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.9% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Irene?
The obesity rate in Irene is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:971.
What is transportation like in Irene?
The average commute in Irene is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Irene?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Irene is 91.6% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 87.4% have health insurance coverage.
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