Median Income
$71,923
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$201,400
29% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.5%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$956
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How Lake Norden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population769
Median Age24.6 yrs
Density884/mi²
Male / Female56% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,923
Per Capita$30,122
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$425M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$201,400
Rent$956
Ownership65.6%
Zillow$301,451
Housing Units254
Rent Burden19.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property528/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured10.4%
Smoking15.9%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain24.3 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,688 ft (515 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.5%
High School+88.5%
Graduate+0.5%
School Score6.23
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute22 min
Broadband80.9%
EV Stations5
Is Lake Norden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Norden receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Lake Norden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Norden is $71,923, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Norden is $201,400, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $956 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lake Norden is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 528 per 100,000, 73% below the national average.
Education
20.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lake Norden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Lake Norden has a population of 769 with a density of 884 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 24.6 years, 37% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.5% female and 55.5% male. The city is predominantly White (81.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.4% of residents, while 9.6% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 5.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
24.6yrs
Median Age
37% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Norden vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.4%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.6%
28% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Norden vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Norden is $71,923, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,122 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,068, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 279 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 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Norden vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,923 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,122 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,068 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,032 |
| Gini Index | 0.363 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 279 |
| County GDP | $425M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,783 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.0% |
The median home value in Lake Norden is $201,400, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $301,451, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $956 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 254 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $4,783 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $201,400 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $301,451 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $956 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.4% |
| Housing Units | 254 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,783 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.37% |
In Lake Norden, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 27.9% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 20.0% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,255. 22.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Norden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.9% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| Uninsured | 10.4% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,255 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 67.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,695/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 22.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Lake Norden has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 528 per 100,000, 73% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake Norden receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Lake Norden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 528.4/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Lake Norden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°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 24.3 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 1,688 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.7°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,688 ft (515 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 884/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.5801°N, 97.2116°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hamlin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.3"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| 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: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 16, 2022.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
141 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
137 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
133 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
456 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 210 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
100 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PHEASANT OPENER (1,206 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
96 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
98 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
100 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
100 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
98 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
98 km |
| 1993 |
LEE |
516 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Lake Norden has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Lake Norden. 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 Norden
What is the population of Lake Norden?
Lake Norden has a population of 769 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 884 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 24.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.5% female and 55.5% male.
Is Lake Norden expensive to live in?
Lake Norden 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 $71,923, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $201,400 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $956 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Norden safe?
Lake Norden is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 528 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lake Norden receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Norden?
Lake Norden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Lake Norden?
The job market in Lake Norden is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,068. There are 279 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 3.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Norden?
The median home value in Lake Norden is $201,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $301,451. For renters, the median monthly rent is $956. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,783.
How are the schools in Lake Norden?
Schools in Lake Norden score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.5% of adults in Lake Norden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. 0.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Norden?
The obesity rate in Lake Norden is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 10.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 22.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,255.
What is transportation like in Lake Norden?
The average commute in Lake Norden is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Norden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Norden is 81.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 90.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.6% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 5.7% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
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