Median Income
$43,750
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$175,000
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
449/100K
18% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.1%
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.4%
24% higher than US avg
How Lake City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population56
Median Age34.5 yrs
Density255/mi²
Male / Female68% / 32%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans46.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,750
Per Capita$23,636
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty15.4%
County GDP$454M
Commute18 min
Housing
A
Home Value$175,000
Ownership90.0%
Zillow$288,984
Housing Units29
Rent Burden18.2%
Crime
F
Violent449/100K
Property1,142/100K
Health
Obesity35.1%
Smoking15.5%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,863 ft (568 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute18 min
Broadband20.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Lake City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake City receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Lake City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake City is $43,750, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. The poverty rate of 15.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake City is $175,000, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 449 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,142 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
26.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.0 inches, including 48.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Lake City has a population of 56 with a density of 255 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 34.5 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 32.1% female and 67.9% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 46.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 67.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.5yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake City is $43,750, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,636 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,060, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 212 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 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,750 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,636 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,060 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,004 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 212 |
| County GDP | $454M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,450 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Lake City is $175,000, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $288,984, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $739 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 29 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $5,450 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $175,000 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $288,984 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $669 |
| 1 Bedroom | $739 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,163 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,627 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.0% |
| Housing Units | 29 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,450 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.11% |
In Lake City, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 22.1% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,304. The dentist ratio is 1:4,374. 36.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.1% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 67.9% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:4,304 |
| Dentists | 1:4,374 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 70.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,654/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Lake City has a violent crime rate of 449 per 100,000 residents, 18% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,142 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. Overall, Lake City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 448.8/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,142.4/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 72°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 25.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.1 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 1,863 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.5°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,863 ft (568 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 255/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.7248°N, 97.4140°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marshall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.0"
34% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively 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 Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| 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: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
87 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
43 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
411 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 80 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
92 km |
2 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
74 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
27 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
69 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
81 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
99 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
64 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
58 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
98 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
56 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
53 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
35 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
55 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
97 km |
| 1997 |
ROBIN HOOD |
542 |
56 km |
| 2003 |
DISMAL SWAMP |
518 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Lake City has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 12°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Lake City. 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 City
What is the population of Lake City?
Lake City has a population of 56 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 255 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 32.1% female and 67.9% male.
Is Lake City expensive to live in?
Lake City 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 $43,750, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $175,000 (38% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake City safe?
The violent crime rate in Lake City is 449 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,142 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lake City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake City?
Lake City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.0 inches, with 48.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Lake City?
The job market in Lake City is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,060. There are 212 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake City?
The median home value in Lake City is $175,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $288,984. The homeownership rate is 90.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,450.
How are the schools in Lake City?
Schools in Lake City score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.1% of adults in Lake City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake City?
The obesity rate in Lake City is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 22.1% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 36.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,304.
What is transportation like in Lake City?
The average commute in Lake City is 18 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 Lake City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake City is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 46.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.4% of residents have a disability. 67.9% have health insurance coverage.
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