Median Income
$71,667
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$145,100
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
176/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.5%
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.4%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.7%
22% lower than US avg
How Kennebec Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population367
Median Age33.2 yrs
Density432/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans2.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,667
Per Capita$37,292
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty9.7%
County GDP$194M
Commute7 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$145,100
Ownership85.1%
Zillow$180,256
Housing Units151
Rent Burden16.5%
Crime
F
Violent176/100K
Property847/100K
Health
Obesity34.4%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking14.0%
Depression20.7%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.8 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,690 ft (515 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.5%
High School+96.7%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score4.79
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute7 min
Broadband76.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Kennebec a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kennebec receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Kennebec offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kennebec is $71,667, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. 9.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kennebec is $145,100, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Kennebec is below the national average at 176 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 847 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
23.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Kennebec experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.8 inches, including 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Kennebec has a population of 367 with a density of 432 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 33.2 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.1% female and 43.9% male. The city is predominantly White (93.5%), with 4.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.7% of residents, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 2.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.2yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.7%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.3%
53% below US avg
The median household income in Kennebec is $71,667, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,292. The average weekly wage is $725, 49% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 143 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 17.2% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,667 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,292 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $725 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,279 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 143 |
| County GDP | $194M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 7.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.2% |
The median home value in Kennebec is $145,100, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,256, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 151 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. 16.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $145,100 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $180,256 |
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 | 85.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.9% |
| Housing Units | 151 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
In Kennebec, 34.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 20.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.7% report depression. 15.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. 25.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kennebec vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.4% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.2% |
| Depression | 20.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 28.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:1,852 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 72.7% |
| Premature Death | 20,854/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 25.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Kennebec has a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 847 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. Overall, Kennebec receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kennebec vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 176.4/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 846.6/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kennebec experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 76°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 20.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.6 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 1,690 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-6°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,690 ft (515 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 432/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9035°N, 99.8620°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lyman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.8"
45% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.99"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 28.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very 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
18 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 |
149 km |
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
103 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
135 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
112 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
63 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
50 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
72 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
104 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
31 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
112 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
89 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
272 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 37 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1973 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1993 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1993 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1992 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1987 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
19 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: POWER DAM ROAD (15,047 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
POWER DAM ROAD |
15,047 |
80 km |
| 2011 |
OKREEK |
11,115 |
51 km |
| 2021 |
DRY CREEK CA |
8,123 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
YELLOWROBE |
4,679 |
95 km |
| 2012 |
TOWER |
4,599 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
THOMPSON COMPLEX |
3,230 |
41 km |
| 2000 |
CLOVER |
3,062 |
24 km |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
51 km |
| 2021 |
WHIPPLE CAMP |
2,643 |
100 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
NOVOTNY AND WAGNER |
1,968 |
74 km |
| 2003 |
HOG |
1,935 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
FT PIERRE COMPLEX |
1,812 |
48 km |
| 2011 |
HIGHWAY 47 |
1,800 |
31 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
42 km |
| 2001 |
VAN METRE |
1,336 |
74 km |
| 2014 |
OKREEK |
1,273 |
43 km |
| 2000 |
BAD HORSE |
1,215 |
18 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Kennebec has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 20°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Kennebec. 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 Kennebec
What is the population of Kennebec?
Kennebec has a population of 367 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 432 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.1% female and 43.9% male.
Is Kennebec expensive to live in?
Kennebec 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 $71,667, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $145,100 (49% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kennebec safe?
Kennebec is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 847 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Kennebec receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kennebec?
Kennebec has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.8 inches, with 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Kennebec?
The job market in Kennebec is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $725. There are 143 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 7 minutes, and 17.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kennebec?
The median home value in Kennebec is $145,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,256. The homeownership rate is 85.1%.
How are the schools in Kennebec?
Schools in Kennebec have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 23.5% of adults in Kennebec hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kennebec?
The obesity rate in Kennebec is 34.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 20.2% are physically inactive. 20.7% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 25.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Kennebec?
The average commute in Kennebec is 7 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kennebec?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kennebec is 93.5% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino. 93.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 2.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
