Median Income
$70,625
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$49,300
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.0%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$756
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.4%
133% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.3%
65% lower than US avg
How Isabel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population182
Median Age38.1 yrs
Density214/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$70,625
Per Capita$31,780
Unemployment8.4%
Poverty4.3%
County GDP$121M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$49,300
Rent$756
Ownership56.0%
Zillow$277,791
Housing Units99
Rent Burden13.2%
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking24.4%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain19.0 in/yr
Elevation2,393 ft (729 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.0%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+8.2%
School Score3.11
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 43%
Commute14 min
Broadband86.9%
Is Isabel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Isabel receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Isabel offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Isabel is $70,625, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 8.4%, unemployment is notably high. Only 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Isabel is $49,300, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $756 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
11.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.1/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Isabel has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 19.0 inches, including 39.2 inches of snow.
Isabel has a population of 182 with a density of 214 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 38.1 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.2% female and 53.8% male. The city is predominantly White (79.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.8% of residents, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
182
Total Population
2023 Census
38.1yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.8%
21% above US avg
Spanish
8.3%
38% below US avg
The median household income in Isabel is $70,625, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,780 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $927, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 68 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,625 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,780 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $927 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $43,414 |
| Gini Index | 0.491 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.4% |
| 133% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.3% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 68 |
| County GDP | $121M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Isabel is $49,300, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,791, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $756 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 56.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 99 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. 13.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $49,300 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $277,791 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $756 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.0% |
| Housing Units | 99 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
In Isabel, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 35.8% have high blood pressure. 24.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.7% report binge drinking. 32.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.5% report depression. 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:1,913. 2.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Isabel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.8% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.4% |
| 74% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.0% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,913 |
| Mental Health | 1:945 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.0% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
| Premature Death | 37,698/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 2.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Isabel has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 19.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 2,393 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,393 ft (729 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 214/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3937°N, 101.4315°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Corson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR)
90 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.0"
50% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.30"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 2.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on May 30, 2024.
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
105 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
146 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 15 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1986 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1972 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1970 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1969 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1969 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1969 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 1964 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1955 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1953 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TENBROOK (30,588 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
TENBROOK |
30,588 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
WINDY |
16,866 |
82 km |
| 2002 |
LAPLANTE |
14,777 |
63 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,487 |
59 km |
| 1999 |
FAITH |
12,629 |
73 km |
| 2013 |
PAUTRE |
11,733 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
DIVIDE CA |
10,635 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
GENO H. |
10,423 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
STONE MAN CHURCH |
10,389 |
37 km |
| 2000 |
TRIBLE |
9,718 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
LUND |
9,425 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
HOUCK RANCH |
8,746 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
BLACK HORSE CREEK |
8,000 |
53 km |
| 1999 |
BULLHEAD |
5,606 |
46 km |
| 2006 |
KELLY |
5,071 |
69 km |
| 2022 |
HWY31 AND 101ST WEST |
4,879 |
69 km |
| 2000 |
JENSEN |
4,739 |
60 km |
| 2020 |
BENT RIM |
3,665 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
B WARD 1 |
3,325 |
30 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE BEND |
2,789 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Isabel has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Isabel. 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 Isabel
What is the population of Isabel?
Isabel has a population of 182 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 214 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.1 years. The population is 46.2% female and 53.8% male.
Is Isabel expensive to live in?
Isabel 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 $70,625, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $49,300 (83% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $756 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Isabel?
Isabel has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 19.0 inches, with 39.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Isabel?
The job market in Isabel faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $927. There are 68 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Isabel?
The median home value in Isabel is $49,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,791. For renters, the median monthly rent is $756. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.0%.
How are the schools in Isabel?
Schools in Isabel have an average test score of 3.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.0% of adults in Isabel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Isabel?
The obesity rate in Isabel is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.4% of adults are smokers. 32.0% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 2.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Isabel?
The average commute in Isabel is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Isabel?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Isabel is 79.1% White. 94.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 90.7% have health insurance coverage.