Median Income
$34,000
55% lower than US avg
Home Value
$56,900
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
176/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.6%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$631
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
49.2%
53% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.8%
228% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
45.8%
269% higher than US avg
How Mission Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,380
Median Age22.1 yrs
Density2,339/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 11%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
F
Median Income$34,000
Per Capita$15,357
Unemployment11.8%
Poverty45.8%
County GDP$313M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$56,900
Rent$631
Ownership46.7%
Zillow$180,256
Housing Units467
Rent Burden32.3%
Crime
F
Violent176/100K
Property847/100K
Health
Obesity49.2%
Uninsured15.7%
Smoking34.9%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease10.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation2,579 ft (786 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.6%
High School+81.3%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score1.75
Community
2024 VoteR 23% / D 74%
Commute16 min
Broadband69.5%
Libraries1
Is Mission a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mission receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Mission has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mission is $34,000, 55% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.8%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 45.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mission is $56,900, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $631 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Mission is below the national average at 176 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 847 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
12.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.3% have completed high school. School test scores average 1.8/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Mission experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.9 inches, including 41.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Mission has a population of 1,380 with a density of 2,339 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 22.1 years, 43% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (85.7%), with 11.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 84.1% of residents, while 15.9% speak Spanish. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 5.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 80.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
22.1yrs
Median Age
43% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
84.1%
7% above US avg
Spanish
15.9%
19% above US avg
The median household income in Mission is $34,000, which is 55% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,357 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $949, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 45.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 108 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 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $34,000 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,357 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $949 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $39,367 |
| Gini Index | 0.504 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.8% |
| 228% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 45.8% |
| 269% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 108 |
| County GDP | $313M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 7 |
| Retail | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.2% |
| Public Transit | 1.8% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Mission is $56,900, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,256, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $631 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 46.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 467 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. 32.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $56,900 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $180,256 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $631 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 46.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 46.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 53.3% |
| Housing Units | 467 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
In Mission, 49.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 21.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 10.1% of residents, above the national average. 40.1% have high blood pressure. 34.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.8% report binge drinking. 39.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.2% experience frequent mental distress. 15.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,643. The dentist ratio is 1:3,073. 32.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mission vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 49.2% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 21.2% |
| Heart Disease | 10.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.1% |
| Asthma | 15.0% |
| COPD | 12.8% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 6.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 34.9% |
| 149% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.3% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 23.2% |
| Physical Distress | 21.3% |
| Short Sleep | 40.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.6% |
| Uninsured | 15.7% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,643 |
| Dentists | 1:3,073 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,022 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 45.6% |
| Premature Death | 34,850/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
Mission has a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 847 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. Overall, Mission receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mission vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 176.4/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 846.6/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mission experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°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 20.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 2,579 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,579 ft (786 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,339/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3063°N, 100.6609°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Todd County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ainsworth Regional (ANW)
61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.9"
45% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.27"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 97.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
21 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
149 km |
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
95 km |
| Aug 26, 1991 |
15 km SSE of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
87 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
116 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
64 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
71 km |
| Apr 11, 2016 |
11 km E of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.2 |
112 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
46 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Jan 1, 2025 |
4 km S of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
124 km |
| Apr 4, 2024 |
19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
121 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
83 km |
| Jul 7, 2024 |
11 km NNW of Merriman, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
94 km |
| Jun 16, 2021 |
15 km N of Quinn, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Aug 6, 2012 |
21 km WNW of Mullen, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
227 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2011 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 2003 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1993 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1993 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1979 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1977 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1974 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1973 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1971 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1971 |
EF2 |
1 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: REGION 24 COMPLEX (66,349 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
REGION 24 COMPLEX |
66,349 |
72 km |
| 2000 |
POWDER HORN |
48,608 |
81 km |
| 2012 |
LONGHORN COMPLEX |
41,443 |
37 km |
| 1988 |
LIGHTNING |
18,426 |
32 km |
| 2000 |
VAL COMP |
15,513 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
POWER DAM ROAD |
15,047 |
43 km |
| 2012 |
CROOKSTON |
14,962 |
38 km |
| 2011 |
OKREEK |
11,115 |
42 km |
| 1987 |
BIG FIRE |
9,107 |
15 km |
| 1990 |
GOOSECREEK |
8,408 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
DRY CREEK CA |
8,123 |
72 km |
| 2023 |
MCCANN |
7,110 |
57 km |
| 2021 |
HACKBERRY SOUTH RX |
6,463 |
85 km |
| 2000 |
PONY |
5,982 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,014 |
79 km |
| 2017 |
WANBLEE TIMBER |
4,982 |
78 km |
| 1998 |
TNC |
4,683 |
63 km |
| 1991 |
YELLOWROBE |
4,679 |
13 km |
| 2012 |
TOWER |
4,599 |
36 km |
| 2020 |
ADAMSON CA |
4,175 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
35°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Mission has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 23°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Mission. 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 Mission
What is the population of Mission?
Mission has a population of 1,380 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 2,339 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 22.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is Mission expensive to live in?
Mission 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 $34,000, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $56,900 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $631 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mission safe?
Mission is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 847 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mission receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mission?
Mission has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.9 inches, with 41.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Mission?
The job market in Mission faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $949. There are 108 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mission?
The median home value in Mission is $56,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,256. For renters, the median monthly rent is $631. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 46.7%.
How are the schools in Mission?
Schools in Mission have an average test score of 1.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.6% of adults in Mission hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.3% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mission?
The obesity rate in Mission is 49.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 34.9% of adults are smokers. 39.3% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 15.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 32.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,643.
What is transportation like in Mission?
The average commute in Mission is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.2% of workers drive alone to work, 1.8% use public transit, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mission?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mission is 11.2% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 85.7% Hispanic or Latino. 84.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.9% speak Spanish. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 5.6% of residents have a disability. 80.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
