Median Income
$76,458
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$66,500
76% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.5%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$839
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.0%
84% lower than US avg
How Leola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population363
Median Age43.4 yrs
Density491/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans10.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$76,458
Per Capita$38,088
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty2.0%
County GDP$3,155M
Commute40 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$66,500
Rent$839
Ownership82.3%
Zillow$236,161
Housing Units179
Rent Burden15.5%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking17.8%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain21.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,588 ft (484 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.5%
High School+89.5%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score6.27
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute40 min
Broadband95.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Leola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Leola receives an overall livability score of 4.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Leola stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Leola is $76,458, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 40 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Leola is $66,500, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $839 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Leola 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
28.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Leola has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°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 21.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Leola has a population of 363 with a density of 491 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 43.4 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.3% female and 56.7% male. The city is predominantly White (99.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 10.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.4yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Leola is $76,458, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,088. The average weekly wage is $1,047, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,522 business establishments, including 102 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 40 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,458 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,088 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,047 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,624 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.0% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,522 |
| County GDP | $3,155M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 163 |
| Manufacturing | 42 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 9.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 40.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Leola is $66,500, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,161, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $839 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 179 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $6,536 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 15.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $66,500 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $236,161 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $839 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.7% |
| Housing Units | 179 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 9.83% |
In Leola, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.0% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,588. The dentist ratio is 1:1,582. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Leola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.9% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,588 |
| Dentists | 1:1,582 |
| Mental Health | 1:219 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 66.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,876/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Leola has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Leola vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Leola has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 11°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 21.8 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 1,588 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,588 ft (484 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 491/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.7211°N, 98.9385°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.8"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 15, 2017.
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
343 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 48 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROHRBACH (2,887 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
59 km |
| 2011 |
MOUND CITY |
2,755 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
JOEL BERTSCH 2 |
1,460 |
47 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
57 km |
| 2004 |
ALLEN STUECKLE |
1,330 |
58 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
61 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Leola has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 11°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Leola. 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 | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $591 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $443 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Leola
What is the population of Leola?
Leola has a population of 363 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 491 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.3% female and 56.7% male.
Is Leola expensive to live in?
Leola 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 $76,458, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $66,500 (76% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $839 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Leola safe?
Leola 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 Leola?
Leola has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°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 21.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Leola?
The job market in Leola is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,047. There are 1,522 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 40 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Leola?
The median home value in Leola is $66,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,161. For renters, the median monthly rent is $839. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,536.
How are the schools in Leola?
Schools in Leola score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.5% of adults in Leola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Leola?
The obesity rate in Leola is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,588.
What is transportation like in Leola?
The average commute in Leola is 40 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Leola?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Leola is 99.7% White. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 10.5% of the population are military veterans. 6.1% of residents have a disability. 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
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