Median Income
$36,786
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
280/100K
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.4%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$600
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
69% lower than US avg
How Kadoka Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population427
Median Age42.3 yrs
Density186/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans3.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$36,786
Per Capita$24,311
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty3.9%
County GDP$107M
Commute8 min
Housing
A+
Rent$600
Ownership50.0%
Zillow$201,493
Housing Units266
Rent Burden24.5%
Crime
F
Violent280/100K
Property700/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault280/100K
Burglary140/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking23.0%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain17.4 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation2,449 ft (746 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.4%
High School+86.9%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score4.05
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute8 min
Broadband70.5%
Libraries2
Is Kadoka a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kadoka receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Kadoka has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kadoka is $36,786, 51% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $600 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Kadoka is below the national average at 280 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 700 per 100,000, 64% below the national average.
Education
9.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.9% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Kadoka experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.4 inches, including 38.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Kadoka has a population of 427 with a density of 186 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 42.3 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.2% female and 43.8% male. The city is predominantly White (75.4%), with 20.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 3.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 72.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.3yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Kadoka is $36,786, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,311 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $794, 45% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 83 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,786 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,311 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $794 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,767 |
| Gini Index | 0.512 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.9% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 83 |
| County GDP | $107M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 13 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 7.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,493. Monthly rent averages $600 (48% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 50.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 266 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. 24.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $600 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.0% |
| Housing Units | 266 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
In Kadoka, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 23.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 28.3% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:1,410. 23.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 2.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kadoka vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.0% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.3% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 72.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,410 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,388 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 57.7% |
| Premature Death | 24,380/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 2.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 23.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Kadoka has a violent crime rate of 280 per 100,000 residents, 26% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 280.1 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 700 per 100,000, 64% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 140, burglary at 140, vehicle theft at 420 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kadoka receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kadoka vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 280.1/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 280.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 700.3/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| Burglary | 140.1/100K |
| Theft | 140.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 420.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kadoka experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 302 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 17.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 38.2 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 2,449 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.1°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,449 ft (746 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 186/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8286°N, 101.5012°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR) 71 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.4"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.15"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0479 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.4 / 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 Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
20 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 8, 2025.
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
86 km |
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
99 km |
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
122 km |
| Mar 9, 2025 |
7 km W of Fairburn, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Dec 12, 2013 |
10 km WSW of Hermosa, South Dakota |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
106 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
100 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
82 km |
| Feb 7, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
89 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
44 km |
| Jan 16, 2012 |
25 km E of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
126 km |
| Jun 16, 2024 |
7 km NNE of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Apr 4, 2024 |
19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
59 km |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
15 km NNE of Oelrichs, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Jun 8, 2025 |
19 km NW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
97 km |
| Jun 16, 2021 |
15 km N of Quinn, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
58 km |
| Jul 7, 2024 |
11 km NNW of Merriman, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
92 km |
| Jan 24, 2004 |
8 km WSW of Green Valley, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
183 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 9 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 6, 1963 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1956 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 2003 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1982 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1979 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1974 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1973 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1971 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1964 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1964 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONWOOD CA (41,775 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
COTTONWOOD CA |
41,775 |
30 km |
| 2012 |
LONGHORN COMPLEX |
41,443 |
80 km |
| 1985 |
YELLOWBEAR |
19,212 |
75 km |
| 1988 |
LIGHTNING |
18,426 |
76 km |
| 2024 |
POWER DAM ROAD |
15,047 |
58 km |
| 2000 |
DECKER |
10,883 |
80 km |
| 2000 |
GENO H. |
10,423 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
BIG FIRE |
9,107 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
HOUCK RANCH |
8,746 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
DRY CREEK CA |
8,123 |
51 km |
| 2002 |
COTTONWOOD |
6,696 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
TURKEY DAY |
5,998 |
100 km |
| 1985 |
WHITEBUTTE |
5,685 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
RED WATER |
5,407 |
62 km |
| 2017 |
WANBLEE TIMBER |
4,982 |
24 km |
| 2003 |
PAPA |
4,746 |
63 km |
| 1991 |
YELLOWROBE |
4,679 |
76 km |
| 2000 |
HAYES |
4,627 |
79 km |
| 2012 |
TOWER |
4,599 |
59 km |
| 1985 |
GAME RANGE |
4,059 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Kadoka has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 17.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Kadoka. 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 Kadoka
What is the population of Kadoka?
Kadoka has a population of 427 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 186 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.2% female and 43.8% male.
Is Kadoka expensive to live in?
Kadoka 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 $36,786, 51% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $600 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Kadoka safe?
Kadoka is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 280 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 700 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Kadoka receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kadoka?
Kadoka has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.4 inches, with 38.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Kadoka?
Kadoka has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $794. There are 83 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 8 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kadoka?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $600. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 50.0%.
How are the schools in Kadoka?
Schools in Kadoka have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 9.4% of adults in Kadoka hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.9% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kadoka?
The obesity rate in Kadoka is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.0% of adults are smokers. 28.3% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 23.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Kadoka?
The average commute in Kadoka is 8 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kadoka?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kadoka is 75.4% White, 20.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 3.4% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 72.0% have health insurance coverage.