Median Income
$66,607
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$60,200
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
226/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.2%
16% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$883
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.8%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.5%
192% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.8%
52% higher than US avg
How McLaughlin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population567
Median Age29.8 yrs
Density1,418/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 32%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$66,607
Per Capita$28,126
Unemployment10.5%
Poverty18.8%
County GDP$103M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$60,200
Rent$883
Ownership71.9%
Zillow$128,018
Housing Units229
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent226/100K
Property2,317/100K
Health
Obesity44.8%
Uninsured14.9%
Smoking32.1%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease9.7%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,995 ft (608 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.2%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score6.63
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Commute19 min
Broadband93.6%
EV Stations2
Is McLaughlin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, McLaughlin receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. McLaughlin has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in McLaughlin is $66,607, 11% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.5%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 18.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in McLaughlin is $60,200, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $883 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
Violent crime in McLaughlin is below the national average at 226 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,317 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
28.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
McLaughlin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.1 inches, including 34.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
McLaughlin has a population of 567 with a density of 1,418 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 29.8 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.8% female and 42.2% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (67.2%), with 32.1% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.6% of residents, while 12.4% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 77.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.8yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
McLaughlin vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.6%
12% above US avg
Spanish
12.4%
7% below US avg
Social Characteristics
McLaughlin vs U.S. Average
The median household income in McLaughlin is $66,607, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,126 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $863, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 75 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: McLaughlin vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,607 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,126 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $863 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,766 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.5% |
| 192% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.8% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 75 |
| County GDP | $103M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 9 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.6% |
The median home value in McLaughlin is $60,200, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $128,018, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $883 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 229 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. 22.5% 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 | $60,200 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $128,018 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $883 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.1% |
| Housing Units | 229 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
In McLaughlin, 44.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 19.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.7% of residents, above the national average. 38.9% have high blood pressure. 32.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.4% report binge drinking. 38.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.1% experience frequent mental distress. 14.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 36.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: McLaughlin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.8% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 19.6% |
| Heart Disease | 9.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.9% |
| Asthma | 13.7% |
| COPD | 11.8% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 5.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 32.1% |
| 129% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.0% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 22.1% |
| Physical Distress | 20.2% |
| Short Sleep | 38.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.7% |
| Uninsured | 14.9% |
| 73% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:1,340 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 44.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,991/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
McLaughlin has a violent crime rate of 226 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,317 per 100,000, 18% above the U.S. average. Overall, McLaughlin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: McLaughlin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 226.1/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,317.0/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
McLaughlin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°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 20.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,995 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.3°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,995 ft (608 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,418/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.8133°N, 100.8107°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Campbell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bismarck Municipal (BIS)
66 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.1"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on May 30, 2024.
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
203 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 2 fatalities, 33 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF5 |
72 km |
2 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2011 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1974 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1970 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1969 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1965 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF2 |
56 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 |
44 km |
| 2002 |
LAPLANTE |
14,777 |
65 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,487 |
33 km |
| 2006 |
STONE MAN CHURCH |
10,389 |
37 km |
| 2000 |
TRIBLE |
9,718 |
21 km |
| 2006 |
LUND |
9,425 |
33 km |
| 2006 |
BLACK HORSE CREEK |
8,000 |
98 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
7,593 |
47 km |
| 2003 |
MCCLEAN BOTTOMS |
6,421 |
90 km |
| 1999 |
BULLHEAD |
5,606 |
24 km |
| 2022 |
HWY31 AND 101ST WEST |
4,879 |
45 km |
| 2006 |
B WARD 1 |
3,325 |
38 km |
| 2015 |
CANNON BALL |
3,068 |
61 km |
| 2006 |
1804 |
2,778 |
48 km |
| 2000 |
PASTURE 9 BURN |
2,768 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
MOUND CITY |
2,755 |
49 km |
| 2012 |
MCINTOSH |
2,653 |
48 km |
| 2004 |
FISCHER |
2,578 |
58 km |
| 2012 |
CORNSTALK |
2,561 |
15 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR BEAR |
2,179 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
McLaughlin has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in McLaughlin. 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 McLaughlin
What is the population of McLaughlin?
McLaughlin has a population of 567 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,418 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.8% female and 42.2% male.
Is McLaughlin expensive to live in?
McLaughlin 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 $66,607, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $60,200 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $883 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 McLaughlin safe?
McLaughlin is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 226 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,317 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, McLaughlin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in McLaughlin?
McLaughlin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.1 inches, with 34.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in McLaughlin?
The job market in McLaughlin faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $863. There are 75 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 10.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in McLaughlin?
The median home value in McLaughlin is $60,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $128,018. For renters, the median monthly rent is $883. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.9%.
How are the schools in McLaughlin?
Schools in McLaughlin score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.2% of adults in McLaughlin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is McLaughlin?
The obesity rate in McLaughlin is 44.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 32.1% of adults are smokers. 38.0% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 14.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 36.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in McLaughlin?
The average commute in McLaughlin is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of McLaughlin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of McLaughlin is 32.1% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 67.2% Hispanic or Latino. 87.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.4% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 77.7% have health insurance coverage.
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