Median Income
$116,648
55% higher than US avg
Home Value
$496,600
76% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
48.5%
44% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$595
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
69% lower than US avg
How Lake Madison Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population885
Median Age61.3 yrs
Density188/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$116,648
Per Capita$95,163
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty3.9%
County GDP$406M
Commute26 min
Housing
A
Home Value$496,600
Rent$595
Ownership88.4%
Zillow$483,817
Housing Units933
Rent Burden17.2%
Health
Obesity31.0%
Uninsured1.9%
Smoking12.1%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
Rain26.8 in/yr
Elevation1,614 ft (492 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+48.5%
High School+99.6%
Graduate+22.2%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 24%
Commute26 min
Broadband94.3%
EV Stations1
Is Lake Madison a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Madison receives an overall livability score of 4.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Lake Madison stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Madison is $116,648, which is significantly higher than the national average / 55% above $75,149. This places Lake Madison among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, 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 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Madison is $496,600, making it a premium housing market at 76% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $595 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 48.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lake Madison experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.8 inches, including 38.1 inches of snow.
Lake Madison has a population of 885 with a density of 188 people per square mile, spread across 4.7 square miles. The median age is 61.3 years, 58% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (80%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
885
Total Population
2023 Census
61.3yrs
Median Age
58% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Madison vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Madison vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Madison is $116,648, which is 55% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $95,163 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $973, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below 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 246 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 27.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Madison vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $116,648 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $95,163 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $973 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,058 |
| Gini Index | 0.381 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.9% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 246 |
| County GDP | $406M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,817 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 27.6% |
The median home value in Lake Madison is $496,600, 76% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $483,817. Monthly rent averages $595 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 933 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $4,817 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $496,600 |
| 76% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $483,817 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $595 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.6% |
| Housing Units | 933 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,817 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.97% |
In Lake Madison, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 12.1% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 18.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.4% report depression. 14.4% experience frequent mental distress. 1.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,695. The dentist ratio is 1:5,778. 30.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Madison vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.1% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 14.4% |
| Physical Distress | 9.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 1.9% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,695 |
| Dentists | 1:5,778 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 76.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,584/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 30.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Lake Madison experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 38.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,614 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,614 ft (492 m) |
| Area | 4.7 sq mi (12.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 188/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9551°N, 97.0266°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McCook County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brookings Regional (BKX)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.8"
29% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.43"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively 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 Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
105 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
112 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
590 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 11 fatalities, 300 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
57 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Lake Madison has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Lake Madison. 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 Madison
What is the population of Lake Madison?
Lake Madison has a population of 885 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 188 people per square mile, spread across 4.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Lake Madison expensive to live in?
Lake Madison 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 $116,648, 55% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $496,600 (76% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $595 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Lake Madison?
Lake Madison has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 26.8 inches, with 38.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Lake Madison?
Lake Madison has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $973. There are 246 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 27.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Madison?
The median home value in Lake Madison is $496,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $483,817. For renters, the median monthly rent is $595. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,817.
How are the schools in Lake Madison?
Schools in Lake Madison score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 48.5% of adults in Lake Madison hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.6% have completed high school. 22.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Madison?
The obesity rate in Lake Madison is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.1% of adults are smokers. 18.1% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 1.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 30.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,695.
What is transportation like in Lake Madison?
The average commute in Lake Madison is 26 minutes. 63.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 27.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Madison?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Madison is 80% White. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.