Median Income
$104,375
39% higher than US avg
Home Value
$151,400
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
282/100K
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.8%
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
56% lower than US avg
How Mellette Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population144
Median Age49.0 yrs
Density554/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans10.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$104,375
Per Capita$45,803
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.4%
County GDP$3,155M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$151,400
Ownership88.1%
Zillow$270,338
Housing Units79
Rent Burden17.8%
Crime
F
Violent282/100K
Property1,976/100K
Health
Obesity35.2%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking14.8%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain24.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,299 ft (396 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.8%
High School+97.3%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score3.74
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute20 min
Broadband67.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Mellette a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mellette receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Mellette offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Mellette is below the national average at 282 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,976 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
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.
Climate & Weather
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. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.1 inches, including 28.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Mellette has a population of 144 with a density of 554 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 49.0 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (97.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.8% of residents, while 16.2% speak Spanish. 10.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.0yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.8%
7% above US avg
Spanish
16.2%
21% above US avg
The median household income in Mellette is $104,375, which is 39% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,803 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,047, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.4% 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 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $104,375 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,803 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,047 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,624 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.4% |
| 56% 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 | 4.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.5% |
The median home value in Mellette is $151,400, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,338, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $722 for a one-bedroom to $948 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 79 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $6,536 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $151,400 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $270,338 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $654 |
| 1 Bedroom | $722 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $948 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,468 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.9% |
| Housing Units | 79 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.32% |
In Mellette, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Mellette vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,588 |
| Dentists | 1:1,582 |
| Mental Health | 1:219 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 66.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,876/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Mellette has a violent crime rate of 282 per 100,000 residents, 26% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,976 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mellette receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mellette vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 282.3/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,976.2/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mellette has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 12°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 24.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 28.0 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 1,299 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| 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 |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.1"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.27"
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
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 15, 2017.
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
146 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
120 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
361 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 51 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
11 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF2 |
92 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 |
78 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
46 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
85 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
52 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
87 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Mellette has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 12°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Mellette. 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 Mellette
What is the population of Mellette?
Mellette has a population of 144 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 554 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Mellette expensive to live in?
Mellette 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 $104,375, 39% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $151,400 (46% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mellette safe?
Mellette is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 282 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,976 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mellette receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mellette?
Mellette has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°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 24.1 inches, with 28.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Mellette?
The job market in Mellette is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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 20 minutes, and 11.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mellette?
The median home value in Mellette is $151,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,338. The homeownership rate is 88.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,536.
How are the schools in Mellette?
Schools in Mellette have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 21.8% of adults in Mellette hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mellette?
The obesity rate in Mellette is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,588.
What is transportation like in Mellette?
The average commute in Mellette is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mellette?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mellette is 97.2% White. 83.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 16.2% speak Spanish. 10.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
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