Median Income
$58,542
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$163,100
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
436/100K
15% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.7%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$382
67% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.2%
74% lower than US avg
How Mount Vernon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population437
Median Age28.9 yrs
Density1,285/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,542
Per Capita$31,970
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty3.2%
County GDP$1,725M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$163,100
Rent$382
Ownership59.6%
Zillow$278,447
Housing Units239
Rent Burden17.6%
Crime
F
Violent436/100K
Property3,699/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking16.8%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.8 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,406 ft (429 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.7%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score6.47
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute20 min
Broadband88.1%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Mount Vernon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mount Vernon receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Mount Vernon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mount Vernon is $58,542, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. Only 3.2% 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 Mount Vernon is $163,100, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $382 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 436 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,699 per 100,000, 89% above the national average.
Education
19.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Mount Vernon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.8 inches, including 40.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Mount Vernon has a population of 437 with a density of 1,285 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 28.9 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.8% female and 54.2% male. The city is predominantly White (94.1%), with 4.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.8% of residents, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 3.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 88.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.9yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mount Vernon vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.8%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.2%
39% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mount Vernon vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mount Vernon is $58,542, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,970 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,025, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 835 business establishments, including 82 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). 9.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mount Vernon vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,542 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,970 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,025 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,672 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.2% |
| 74% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 835 |
| County GDP | $1,725M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Healthcare | 92 |
| Retail | 118 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,409 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.1% |
The median home value in Mount Vernon is $163,100, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $278,447, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 87.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $382 (67% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 239 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. The average annual property tax is $5,409 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.6% 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 | $163,100 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $278,447 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $97 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 87.3% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $382 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.4% |
| Housing Units | 239 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,409 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.32% |
In Mount Vernon, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,242. The dentist ratio is 1:1,051. 81.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mount Vernon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,242 |
| Dentists | 1:1,051 |
| Mental Health | 1:623 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,039/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 92 |
Mount Vernon has a violent crime rate of 436 per 100,000 residents, 15% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,699 per 100,000, 89% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mount Vernon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mount Vernon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 435.9/100K |
| 15% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,698.7/100K |
| 89% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mount Vernon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 76°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 25.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 40.6 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 1,406 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 47.9°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,406 ft (429 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,285/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7127°N, 98.2612°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Davison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.8"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.50"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
117 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
87 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
19 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
88 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
72 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
81 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
66 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
104 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
93 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
12 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
463 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 230 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
47 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1965 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HOLIDAY (2,936 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
75 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
44 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Mount Vernon has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 18°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Mount Vernon. 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 Mount Vernon
What is the population of Mount Vernon?
Mount Vernon has a population of 437 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,285 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.8% female and 54.2% male.
Is Mount Vernon expensive to live in?
Mount Vernon 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 $58,542, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $163,100 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $382 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 Mount Vernon safe?
The violent crime rate in Mount Vernon is 436 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 3,699 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mount Vernon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mount Vernon?
Mount Vernon has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.8 inches, with 40.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Mount Vernon?
The job market in Mount Vernon is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,025. There are 835 business establishments in the area, including 82 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 9.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mount Vernon?
The median home value in Mount Vernon is $163,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $278,447. For renters, the median monthly rent is $382. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,409.
How are the schools in Mount Vernon?
Schools in Mount Vernon score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.7% of adults in Mount Vernon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mount Vernon?
The obesity rate in Mount Vernon is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 81.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,242.
What is transportation like in Mount Vernon?
The average commute in Mount Vernon is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mount Vernon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mount Vernon is 94.1% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino. 91.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 3.3% of residents have a disability. 88.6% have health insurance coverage.
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