Violent Crime
308/100K
19% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.2%
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Meckling Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population64
Median Age61.5 yrs
Density320/mi²
Male / Female36% / 64%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans55.0%
Economy
Per Capita$28,014
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$562M
Housing
Ownership68.8%
Zillow$268,591
Housing Units25
Rent Burden20.1%
Crime
F
Violent308/100K
Property2,192/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Smoking15.6%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain28.7 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,153 ft (351 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.2%
High School+72.7%
Graduate+32.4%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Broadband32.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Meckling a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Meckling receives an overall livability score of 1.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Meckling faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Meckling is below the national average at 308 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,192 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Meckling experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.7 inches, including 38.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Meckling has a population of 64 with a density of 320 people per square mile, spread across 13.9 square miles. The median age is 61.5 years, 58% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 64.1% female and 35.9% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 55.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.5yrs
Median Age
58% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $28,014 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $857, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 342 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $28,014 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $857 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,007 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 342 |
| County GDP | $562M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,860 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,591. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 25 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $2,860 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 20.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 68.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.2% |
| Housing Units | 25 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,860 |
| 18% below US avg |
In Meckling, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,330. The dentist ratio is 1:2,790. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Meckling vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:8,330 |
| Dentists | 1:2,790 |
| Mental Health | 1:8,262 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 68.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,345/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Meckling has a violent crime rate of 308 per 100,000 residents, 19% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,192 per 100,000, 12% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Meckling receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Meckling vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 307.8/100K |
| 19% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,191.6/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Meckling experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°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 28.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 38.1 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 1,153 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.7°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,153 ft (351 m) |
| Area | 13.9 sq mi (36.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 320/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8401°N, 97.0672°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cedar County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.7"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
149 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
137 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
53 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
117 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
69 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
113 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
149 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
61 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
638 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 238 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SIX PACK (1,649 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Meckling has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 20°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Meckling. 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 | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Meckling
What is the population of Meckling?
Meckling has a population of 64 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 320 people per square mile, spread across 13.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 64.1% female and 35.9% male.
Is Meckling expensive to live in?
Meckling is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Meckling safe?
Meckling is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 308 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,192 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Meckling receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Meckling?
Meckling has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.7 inches, with 38.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Meckling?
The job market in Meckling is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $857. There are 342 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Meckling?
Schools in Meckling score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.2% of adults in Meckling hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.7% have completed high school. 32.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Meckling?
The obesity rate in Meckling is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,330.
What are the demographics of Meckling?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Meckling is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 55.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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