Median Income
$37,031
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$46,500
84% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
80/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.4%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$697
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.3%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.8%
19% higher than US avg
How Monroe Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population239
Median Age33.8 yrs
Density629/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans17.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$37,031
Per Capita$25,454
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty14.8%
County GDP$613M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$46,500
Rent$697
Ownership74.0%
Zillow$270,852
Housing Units123
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent80/100K
Property319/100K
Health
Obesity33.3%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking15.0%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain27.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,501 ft (458 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.4%
High School+92.8%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 23%
Commute30 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations34
Libraries5
Is Monroe a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Monroe receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Monroe has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Monroe is $37,031, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. 14.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Monroe is $46,500, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $697 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Monroe is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 319 per 100,000, 84% below the national average.
Education
14.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Monroe experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°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 27.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Monroe has a population of 239 with a density of 629 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 33.8 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.9% female and 56.1% male. The city is predominantly White (85.4%), with 5.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 17.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.8yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Monroe is $37,031, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,454 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $897, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 344 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 22.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,031 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,454 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $897 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,805 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.8% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 344 |
| County GDP | $613M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,420 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 11.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 60.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.3% |
The median home value in Monroe is $46,500, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,852, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $697 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 123 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1946. The average annual property tax is $5,420 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $46,500 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $270,852 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $697 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.0% |
| Housing Units | 123 |
| Median Year Built | 1946 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,420 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 11.66% |
In Monroe, 33.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 21.3% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:4,428. 36.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Monroe vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.3% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 29.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:4,428 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,514 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 66.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,883/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Monroe has a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 319 per 100,000, 84% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Monroe receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Monroe vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 79.9/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 319.5/100K |
| 84% below 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 |
Monroe experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°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 27.9 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 1,501 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.4°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,501 ft (458 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 629/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4865°N, 97.2167°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Turner County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.9"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.2 / 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M3.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
107 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
111 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
126 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
72 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
100 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
91 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
630 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 266 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
47 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
35 km |
1 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1967 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
75 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 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Monroe has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Monroe. 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 Monroe
What is the population of Monroe?
Monroe has a population of 239 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 629 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.9% female and 56.1% male.
Is Monroe expensive to live in?
Monroe 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 $37,031, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $46,500 (84% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $697 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Monroe safe?
Monroe is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 319 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Monroe receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Monroe?
Monroe has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°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 27.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Monroe?
The job market in Monroe is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $897. There are 344 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 22.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Monroe?
The median home value in Monroe is $46,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,852. For renters, the median monthly rent is $697. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,420.
How are the schools in Monroe?
Schools in Monroe score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.4% of adults in Monroe hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Monroe?
The obesity rate in Monroe is 33.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 36.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Monroe?
The average commute in Monroe is 30 minutes. 60.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 22.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Monroe?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Monroe is 85.4% White, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 17.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 87.7% have health insurance coverage.
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