Median Income
$18,629
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
226/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$467
60% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.0%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
39.3%
992% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
100.0%
706% higher than US avg
How La Plant Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population266
Median Age18.3 yrs
Density28/mi²
Male / Female68% / 32%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
F
Median Income$18,629
Per Capita$4,896
Unemployment39.3%
Poverty100.0%
County GDP$271M
Housing
B+
Rent$467
Ownership29.3%
Zillow$128,018
Housing Units63
Rent Burden24.1%
Crime
F
Violent226/100K
Property2,317/100K
Health
Obesity44.0%
Uninsured12.7%
Smoking28.3%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain17.4 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation2,021 ft (616 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+61.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.74
Community
2024 VoteR 42% / D 55%
Broadband58.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is La Plant a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Plant receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. La Plant has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in La Plant is $18,629, 75% below the national average of $75,149. At 39.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 100.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $467 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in La Plant is below the national average at 226 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,317 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 61.2% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
La Plant experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
La Plant has a population of 266 with a density of 28 people per square mile, spread across 9.5 square miles. The median age is 18.3 years, 53% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 32.3% female and 67.7% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.5% of residents, while 16.5% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 81.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
18.3yrs
Median Age
53% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.5%
6% above US avg
Spanish
16.5%
23% above US avg
The median household income in La Plant is $18,629, which is 75% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $4,896 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $982, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 39.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 100.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 156 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 8.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $18,629 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $4,896 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $982 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,713 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 39.3% |
| 992% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 100.0% |
| 706% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 156 |
| County GDP | $271M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 91.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.3% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $128,018. Monthly rent averages $467 (60% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 29.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 63 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. 24.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $467 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 29.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 29.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 70.7% |
| Housing Units | 63 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
In La Plant, 44.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 36.7% have high blood pressure. 28.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 36.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.0% report depression. 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 12.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,246. The dentist ratio is 1:1,713. 54.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: La Plant vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.0% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.7% |
| Asthma | 15.1% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.3% |
| 102% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.3% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 18.2% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,246 |
| Dentists | 1:1,713 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,302 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 50.6% |
| Premature Death | 41,916/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
La Plant has a violent crime rate of 226 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,317 per 100,000, 18% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, La Plant receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: La Plant vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 226.1/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,317.0/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
La Plant experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 311 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). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 2,021 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.2°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,021 ft (616 m) |
| Area | 9.5 sq mi (24.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 28/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1282°N, 100.6409°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dewey County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR) 54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.4"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.99"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.9 / 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 High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 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 |
50 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
91 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
62 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
214 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1973 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1970 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1969 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1965 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LAPLANTE (14,777 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
LAPLANTE |
14,777 |
12 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,487 |
45 km |
| 2000 |
GENO H. |
10,423 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
STONE MAN CHURCH |
10,389 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
TRIBLE |
9,718 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
HOUCK RANCH |
8,746 |
62 km |
| 1999 |
BULLHEAD |
5,606 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
JENSEN |
4,739 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
HAYES |
4,627 |
81 km |
| 2020 |
BENT RIM |
3,665 |
55 km |
| 2006 |
B WARD 1 |
3,325 |
70 km |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE BEND |
2,789 |
37 km |
| 2006 |
1804 |
2,778 |
53 km |
| 2011 |
MOUND CITY |
2,755 |
79 km |
| 2023 |
LITTLE BEND RX |
2,574 |
37 km |
| 2012 |
CORNSTALK |
2,561 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR BEAR |
2,179 |
21 km |
| 2000 |
FTMANUEL |
2,124 |
85 km |
| 2024 |
STATELINE |
2,123 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
La Plant has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in La Plant. 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 La Plant
What is the population of La Plant?
La Plant has a population of 266 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 28 people per square mile, spread across 9.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 18.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 32.3% female and 67.7% male.
Is La Plant expensive to live in?
La Plant 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 $18,629, 75% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $467 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is La Plant safe?
La Plant is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 226 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,317 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, La Plant receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in La Plant?
La Plant has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in La Plant?
The job market in La Plant faces challenges, with unemployment at 39.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $982. There are 156 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in La Plant?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $467. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 29.3%.
How are the schools in La Plant?
Schools in La Plant have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in La Plant hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 61.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Plant?
The obesity rate in La Plant is 44.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.3% of adults are smokers. 36.3% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 12.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,246.
What are the demographics of La Plant?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Plant is 100% Hispanic or Latino. 83.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 16.5% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.3% of residents have a disability. 81.0% have health insurance coverage.