Median Income
$42,461
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$79,700
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.2%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$631
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.0%
13% higher than US avg
How Lemmon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,214
Median Age45.7 yrs
Density1,104/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$42,461
Per Capita$28,757
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty14.0%
County GDP$176M
Commute10 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$79,700
Rent$631
Ownership78.7%
Zillow$119,678
Housing Units669
Rent Burden26.4%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking17.1%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain18.0 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation2,566 ft (782 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.2%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+7.2%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Commute10 min
Broadband83.6%
Libraries2
Is Lemmon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lemmon receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Lemmon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lemmon is $42,461, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. 14.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lemmon is $79,700, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $631 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lemmon 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
20.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Lemmon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 18.0 inches, including 42.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Lemmon has a population of 1,214 with a density of 1,104 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 45.7 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (91.8%), with 7.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.7yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Lemmon is $42,461, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,757 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $803, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 139 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,461 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,757 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $803 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,867 |
| Gini Index | 0.496 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.0% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 139 |
| County GDP | $176M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.9% |
The median home value in Lemmon is $79,700, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,678, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $631 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 669 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $79,700 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $119,678 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $631 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.3% |
| Housing Units | 669 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
In Lemmon, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,819. 50.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lemmon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 30.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,819 |
| Mental Health | 1:472 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,534/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Lemmon has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average.
Crime Rates: Lemmon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Lemmon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 311 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 18.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.3 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 2,566 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.7°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,566 ft (782 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,104/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.9384°N, 102.1598°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Perkins County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dickinson/Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK)
67 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.0"
53% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 13.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively 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 Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
145 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 41 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 4, 1978 |
EF4 |
56 km |
5 |
| Jun 29, 1975 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2011 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1986 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1972 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1969 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1969 |
EF2 |
5 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1969 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 1964 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2019 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF1 |
18 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TENBROOK (30,588 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
TENBROOK |
30,588 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
WINDY |
16,866 |
8 km |
| 2013 |
PAUTRE |
11,733 |
28 km |
| 2021 |
DIVIDE CA |
10,635 |
59 km |
| 2006 |
STONE MAN CHURCH |
10,389 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
BLACK HORSE CREEK |
8,000 |
39 km |
| 1999 |
BULLHEAD |
5,606 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
KELLY |
5,071 |
70 km |
| 2022 |
HWY31 AND 101ST WEST |
4,879 |
66 km |
| 2006 |
B WARD 1 |
3,325 |
82 km |
| 2015 |
MOONSHINE |
2,768 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
PASTURE 9 BURN |
2,768 |
33 km |
| 2007 |
HAY CREEK |
2,655 |
46 km |
| 2012 |
MCINTOSH |
2,653 |
59 km |
| 2003 |
MEAT HOOK |
2,522 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
HARRIS |
2,369 |
31 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,050 |
25 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,869 |
80 km |
| 2024 |
LOST BOY BUTTE |
1,647 |
74 km |
| 1999 |
DOUG DAHL |
1,464 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
Lemmon has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 19°F in December to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Lemmon. 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 Lemmon
What is the population of Lemmon?
Lemmon has a population of 1,214 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,104 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Lemmon expensive to live in?
Lemmon 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 $42,461, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $79,700 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $631 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lemmon safe?
Lemmon 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Lemmon?
Lemmon has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 18.0 inches, with 42.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Lemmon?
The job market in Lemmon is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $803. There are 139 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 8.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lemmon?
The median home value in Lemmon is $79,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,678. For renters, the median monthly rent is $631. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.7%.
How are the schools in Lemmon?
Schools in Lemmon score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.2% of adults in Lemmon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 7.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lemmon?
The obesity rate in Lemmon is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 50.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,819.
What is transportation like in Lemmon?
The average commute in Lemmon is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lemmon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lemmon is 91.8% White, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 20.6% of residents have a disability. 85.7% have health insurance coverage.
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