Median Income
$101,136
35% higher than US avg
Home Value
$446,600
58% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
43.9%
30% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
56% lower than US avg
How Lake Poinsett Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population413
Median Age58.2 yrs
Density84/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$101,136
Per Capita$47,744
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.4%
County GDP$425M
Commute34 min
Housing
A
Home Value$446,600
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$301,451
Housing Units672
Rent Burden20.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property528/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking14.9%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain24.3 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,671 ft (509 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+43.9%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+23.2%
School Score6.23
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute34 min
Broadband91.6%
EV Stations5
Is Lake Poinsett a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Poinsett receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Lake Poinsett 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 Poinsett is $101,136, which is significantly higher than the national average / 35% above $75,149. This places Lake Poinsett among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Poinsett is $446,600, making it a premium housing market at 58% above the U.S. median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 4.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Lake Poinsett 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
Educational attainment is solid, with 43.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lake Poinsett 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 Poinsett has a population of 413 with a density of 84 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age is 58.2 years, 50% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (91%), with 9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.2yrs
Median Age
50% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Poinsett vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Poinsett vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Poinsett is $101,136, which is 35% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,744 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,068, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.4% 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 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Poinsett vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $101,136 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,744 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,068 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,032 |
| Gini Index | 0.363 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.4% |
| 56% 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 | 1.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
The median home value in Lake Poinsett is $446,600, 58% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $301,451, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 672 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1999. The average annual property tax is $4,783 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $446,600 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $301,451 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 672 |
| Median Year Built | 1999 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,783 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.07% |
In Lake Poinsett, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 21.5% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. 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 Poinsett vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,255 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 70.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,695/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 22.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Lake Poinsett 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 Poinsett receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Lake Poinsett 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 Poinsett 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 1,671 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 | 1,671 ft (509 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 84/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.5725°N, 97.1084°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hamlin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brookings Regional (BKX)
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 |
138 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 |
139 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
451 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 60 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
99 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
94 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
96 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
96 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
95 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
93 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
93 km |
| 1993 |
LEE |
516 |
93 km |
| 1995 |
ANDREASON |
507 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Lake Poinsett has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Lake Poinsett. 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 Poinsett
What is the population of Lake Poinsett?
Lake Poinsett has a population of 413 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 84 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Lake Poinsett expensive to live in?
Lake Poinsett 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 $101,136, 35% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $446,600 (58% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Poinsett safe?
Lake Poinsett 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 Poinsett receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Poinsett?
Lake Poinsett 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 Poinsett?
The job market in Lake Poinsett is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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 34 minutes, and 2.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Poinsett?
The median home value in Lake Poinsett is $446,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $301,451. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,783.
How are the schools in Lake Poinsett?
Schools in Lake Poinsett score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 43.9% of adults in Lake Poinsett hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 23.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Poinsett?
The obesity rate in Lake Poinsett is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 22.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,255.
What is transportation like in Lake Poinsett?
The average commute in Lake Poinsett is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Poinsett?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Poinsett is 91% White, 9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 7.5% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
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