Median Income
$45,714
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$46,700
83% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
127/100K
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.3%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$743
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.9%
93% higher than US avg
How Lake Andes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population934
Median Age30.1 yrs
Density1,245/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 35%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$45,714
Per Capita$21,534
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty23.9%
County GDP$600M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$46,700
Rent$743
Ownership69.0%
Zillow$323,708
Housing Units298
Rent Burden36.3%
Crime
F
Violent127/100K
Property1,525/100K
Health
Obesity43.8%
Uninsured12.9%
Smoking25.2%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain24.4 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,472 ft (449 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.3%
High School+77.0%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score5.01
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute16 min
Broadband69.9%
Libraries4
Is Lake Andes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Andes receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Lake Andes has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Andes is $45,714, 39% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 23.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Andes is $46,700, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $743 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lake Andes is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,525 per 100,000, 22% below the national average.
Education
23.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake Andes experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°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 24.4 inches, including 31.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Lake Andes has a population of 934 with a density of 1,245 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 30.1 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (60.3%), with 35.4% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.1% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 9.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 63.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.1yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Andes vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.1%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.9%
56% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Andes vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Andes is $45,714, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,534 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $916, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 23.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 377 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Andes vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,714 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,534 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $916 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,614 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.9% |
| 93% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 377 |
| County GDP | $600M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 2.2% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Lake Andes is $46,700, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,708, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $743 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 298 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $3,700. 36.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $46,700 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $323,708 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $743 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.0% |
| Housing Units | 298 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.92% |
In Lake Andes, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 34.9% have high blood pressure. 25.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 32.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.5% report depression. 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 12.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,054. The dentist ratio is 1:1,843. 37.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Andes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 12.7% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.2% |
| 80% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.4% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 63.3% |
| Uninsured | 12.9% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,054 |
| Dentists | 1:1,843 |
| Mental Health | 1:840 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 54.7% |
| Premature Death | 16,779/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Lake Andes has a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents, 67% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,525 per 100,000, 22% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake Andes receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Andes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 127.1/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,524.8/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Andes experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 22°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 24.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 31.3 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 1,472 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.0°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,472 ft (449 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,245/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1560°N, 98.5373°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Charles Mix County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.4"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 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 |
52 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
23 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
108 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
71 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
143 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
24 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
56 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
66 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
97 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
144 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
107 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
57 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
69 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
72 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
422 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 8 fatalities, 333 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
96 km |
6 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1965 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (6,910 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,910 |
95 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,875 |
84 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
40 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
68 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
39 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Lake Andes has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 22°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Lake Andes. 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 Lake Andes
What is the population of Lake Andes?
Lake Andes has a population of 934 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,245 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Lake Andes expensive to live in?
Lake Andes 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 $45,714, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $46,700 (83% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $743 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Andes safe?
Lake Andes is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,525 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lake Andes receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Andes?
Lake Andes has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 22°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 24.4 inches, with 31.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Lake Andes?
Lake Andes has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $916. There are 377 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Andes?
The median home value in Lake Andes is $46,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,708. For renters, the median monthly rent is $743. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,700.
How are the schools in Lake Andes?
Schools in Lake Andes score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.3% of adults in Lake Andes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.0% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Andes?
The obesity rate in Lake Andes is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.2% of adults are smokers. 32.4% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 12.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 37.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,054.
What is transportation like in Lake Andes?
The average commute in Lake Andes is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, 2.2% use public transit, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Andes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Andes is 35.4% White, 60.3% Hispanic or Latino. 94.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 9.3% of residents have a disability. 63.3% have health insurance coverage.
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