South Dakota
Mellette is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 144. Residents earn $104,375 per year, which is 39% above the national average.
Based on current data, Mellette receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Mellette stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
The median household income in Mellette is $104,375, which is significantly higher than the national average — 39% above $75,149. This places Mellette among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
The median home value in Mellette is $151,400, 46% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
21.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Mellette has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.1 inches, including 28.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
| English Only | 83.8% |
| 7% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 16.2% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $104,375 |
| 39% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $45,803 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,047 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,624 |
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 5.4% |
| 56% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,522 |
| County GDP | $3,155M |
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 163 |
| Manufacturing | 42 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.32% |
| Commute Time | 20.3 min |
| Work from Home | 11.5% |
| Census Median | $151,400 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Studio | $654 |
| 1 Bedroom | $722 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $948 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,468 |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.1% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 4.32% |
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Insurance Rate | 89.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,876/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg | |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 24.1 inches |
| 36% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 28.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,299 ft (396 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 554/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1544°N, 98.4984°W |
| County FIPS | 46013 |
Winner: Republican by 26.8 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 21.8% |
| 35% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 97.3% |
| School Test Score | 3.74 |
| RUCC Code 5 | Nonmetro — Urban 20K+ |
| Population Density | 554/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.3 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 67.0% |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 1 |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Retail Stores | 163 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Commute | 20.3 min |
| Work from Home | 11.5% |