Median Income
$67,500
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,000
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
436/100K
15% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.0%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$755
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.0%
61% higher than US avg
How Letcher Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population184
Median Age32.0 yrs
Density297/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$67,500
Per Capita$27,208
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty20.0%
County GDP$1,725M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,000
Rent$755
Ownership69.4%
Zillow$245,185
Housing Units80
Rent Burden42.5%
Crime
F
Violent436/100K
Property3,699/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking16.8%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.8 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,296 ft (395 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+87.0%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score6.47
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute22 min
Broadband72.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Letcher a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Letcher receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Letcher has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Letcher is $67,500, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. The poverty rate of 20.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Letcher is $88,000, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $755 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 436 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,699 per 100,000, 89% above the national average.
Education
13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Letcher experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.8 inches, including 40.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Letcher has a population of 184 with a density of 297 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 32.0 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.7% female and 53.3% male. The city is predominantly White (85.9%), with 8.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 87.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.0yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in Letcher is $67,500, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,208 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,025, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 835 business establishments, including 82 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). 12.5% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,500 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,208 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,025 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,672 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.0% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 835 |
| County GDP | $1,725M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Healthcare | 92 |
| Retail | 118 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,409 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.5% |
The median home value in Letcher is $88,000, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,185, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $755 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 80 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. The average annual property tax is $5,409 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 42.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $88,000 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $245,185 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $755 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 42.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.6% |
| Housing Units | 80 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,409 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.15% |
In Letcher, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,242. The dentist ratio is 1:1,051. 81.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Letcher vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,242 |
| Dentists | 1:1,051 |
| Mental Health | 1:623 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 65.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,039/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 92 |
Letcher has a violent crime rate of 436 per 100,000 residents, 15% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,699 per 100,000, 89% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Letcher receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Letcher vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 435.9/100K |
| 15% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,698.7/100K |
| 89% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Letcher experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 291 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 25.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 40.6 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 1,296 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 47.9°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,296 ft (395 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 297/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9003°N, 98.1464°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Davison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.8"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
140 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
110 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
29 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
52 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
81 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
109 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
113 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
25 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
487 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 231 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
41 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1965 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HOLIDAY (2,936 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
69 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Letcher has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 18°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Letcher. 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 Letcher
What is the population of Letcher?
Letcher has a population of 184 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 297 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.7% female and 53.3% male.
Is Letcher expensive to live in?
Letcher 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 $67,500, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,000 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $755 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Letcher safe?
The violent crime rate in Letcher is 436 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,699 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Letcher receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Letcher?
Letcher has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.8 inches, with 40.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Letcher?
The job market in Letcher is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,025. There are 835 business establishments in the area, including 82 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 12.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Letcher?
The median home value in Letcher is $88,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,185. For renters, the median monthly rent is $755. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,409.
How are the schools in Letcher?
Schools in Letcher score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.0% of adults in Letcher hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Letcher?
The obesity rate in Letcher is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 81.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,242.
What is transportation like in Letcher?
The average commute in Letcher is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Letcher?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Letcher is 85.9% White, 8.2% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability. 87.8% have health insurance coverage.
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