Median Income
$46,250
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$57,500
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.0%
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
7.2%
100% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.0%
94% higher than US avg
How Java Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population99
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density202/mi²
Male / Female34% / 66%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans97.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$46,250
Per Capita$37,979
Unemployment7.2%
Poverty24.0%
County GDP$149M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$57,500
Ownership73.8%
Zillow$122,187
Housing Units127
Rent Burden35.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property460/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking16.3%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.3 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation2,078 ft (633 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.0%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score6.28
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute30 min
Broadband42.0%
Libraries2
Is Java a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Java receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Java offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Java is $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 24.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Java is $57,500, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Java 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 460 per 100,000, 77% below the national average.
Education
20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Java has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.3 inches, including 44.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Java has a population of 99 with a density of 202 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 65.7% female and 34.3% male. The city is predominantly White (98%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 97.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 78.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Java is $46,250, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,979. The average weekly wage is $890, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 24.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 145 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,250 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,979 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $890 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,373 |
| Gini Index | 0.390 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.2% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.0% |
| 94% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 145 |
| County GDP | $149M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Java is $57,500, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $122,187, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 127 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 35.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $57,500 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $122,187 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 73.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.2% |
| Housing Units | 127 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Java, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 16.8% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 19.9% report depression. 14.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,475. The dentist ratio is 1:2,438. 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Java vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 14.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 26.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,475 |
| Dentists | 1:2,438 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,413 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.6% |
| Dental Visits | 60.3% |
| Premature Death | 4,643/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Java has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 460 per 100,000, 77% below the U.S. average. Overall, Java receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Java vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 460.1/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Java has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 276 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 20.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 44.3 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 2,078 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.8°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,078 ft (633 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 202/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5038°N, 99.8839°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Potter County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR) 71 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.3"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.23"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| 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
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 |
136 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
74 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
261 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 19 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
12 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 |
EF3 |
64 km |
2 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1970 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1969 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
19 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LAPLANTE (14,777 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
LAPLANTE |
14,777 |
68 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,487 |
63 km |
| 2000 |
TRIBLE |
9,718 |
66 km |
| 2006 |
LUND |
9,425 |
99 km |
| 1999 |
BULLHEAD |
5,606 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
38 km |
| 2006 |
1804 |
2,778 |
35 km |
| 2011 |
MOUND CITY |
2,755 |
37 km |
| 2012 |
CORNSTALK |
2,561 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR BEAR |
2,179 |
59 km |
| 2000 |
FTMANUEL |
2,124 |
63 km |
| 2024 |
STATELINE |
2,123 |
88 km |
| 2003 |
24 |
2,119 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
JOEL BERTSCH 2 |
1,460 |
56 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,438 |
47 km |
| 2004 |
ALLEN STUECKLE |
1,330 |
43 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
94 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
1,143 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
FUZZY |
1,075 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Java has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 70°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 17.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Java. 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 Java
What is the population of Java?
Java has a population of 99 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 202 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 65.7% female and 34.3% male.
Is Java expensive to live in?
Java 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 $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $57,500 (80% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Java safe?
Java 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 460 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Java receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Java?
Java has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.3 inches, with 44.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Java?
The unemployment rate in Java is 7.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $890. There are 145 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Java?
The median home value in Java is $57,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $122,187. The homeownership rate is 73.8%.
How are the schools in Java?
Schools in Java score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.0% of adults in Java hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Java?
The obesity rate in Java is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,475.
What is transportation like in Java?
The average commute in Java is 30 minutes. 78.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Java?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Java is 98% White. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 97.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.8% of residents have a disability. 78.2% have health insurance coverage.