Median Income
$58,462
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$161,300
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
449/100K
18% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.3%
2% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$480
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.2%
26% lower than US avg
How Milbank Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,513
Median Age42.3 yrs
Density1,268/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,462
Per Capita$37,142
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty9.2%
County GDP$831M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$161,300
Rent$480
Ownership76.3%
Zillow$233,146
Housing Units1,600
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent449/100K
Property1,142/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured10.4%
Smoking15.1%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.4 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,152 ft (351 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.3%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+12.8%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 26%
Commute11 min
Broadband83.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Milbank a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Milbank receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Milbank offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Milbank is $58,462, 22% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Milbank is $161,300, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $480 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 449 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,142 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Milbank has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Milbank has a population of 3,513 with a density of 1,268 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 42.3 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (87.3%), with 5.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91% of residents, while 9% speak Spanish. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.3yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.0%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.0%
33% below US avg
The median household income in Milbank is $58,462, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,142. The average weekly wage is $1,048, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 382 business establishments, including 23 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,462 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,142 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,048 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,966 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.2% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 382 |
| County GDP | $831M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 23 |
| Healthcare | 25 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.0% |
The median home value in Milbank is $161,300, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,146, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $480 (59% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,600 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,300 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $161,300 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $233,146 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $480 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,600 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.67% |
In Milbank, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,253. The dentist ratio is 1:1,493. 58.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Milbank vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 28.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.4% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,253 |
| Dentists | 1:1,493 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,553 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 69.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,749/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 25 |
Milbank has a violent crime rate of 449 per 100,000 residents, 18% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,142 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Milbank receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Milbank vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 448.8/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,142.4/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Milbank has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°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 25.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,152 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,152 ft (351 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,268/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.2194°N, 96.6337°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grant County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.4"
33% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.58"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
57 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
66 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
424 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 78 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
31 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
50 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
25 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
23 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
99 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
20 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
21 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
25 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
100 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
25 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
57 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
22 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
25 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
22 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
25 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
24 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
80 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
20 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Milbank has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Milbank. 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 Milbank
What is the population of Milbank?
Milbank has a population of 3,513 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,268 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Milbank expensive to live in?
Milbank 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 $58,462, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $161,300 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $480 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Milbank safe?
The violent crime rate in Milbank is 449 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 1,142 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Milbank receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Milbank?
Milbank has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Milbank?
Milbank has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,048. There are 382 business establishments in the area, including 23 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 11.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Milbank?
The median home value in Milbank is $161,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,146. For renters, the median monthly rent is $480. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,300.
How are the schools in Milbank?
Schools in Milbank score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.3% of adults in Milbank hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 12.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Milbank?
The obesity rate in Milbank is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 10.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 58.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,253.
What is transportation like in Milbank?
The average commute in Milbank is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Milbank?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Milbank is 87.3% White, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino. 91% of residents speak only English at home, while 9% speak Spanish. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
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