Median Income
$66,250
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,700
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.2%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$531
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.3%
15% higher than US avg
How Murdo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population633
Median Age33.9 yrs
Density1,005/mi²
Male / Female45% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$66,250
Per Capita$29,601
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty14.3%
County GDP$85M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$120,700
Rent$531
Ownership69.9%
Zillow$300,384
Housing Units340
Rent Burden14.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property452/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary452/100K
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking17.5%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain21.7 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation2,319 ft (707 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.2%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+6.6%
School Score6.14
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 11%
Commute12 min
Broadband88.6%
EV Stations1
Is Murdo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Murdo receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Murdo offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Murdo is $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 14.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Murdo is $120,700, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $531 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Murdo is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 452 per 100,000, 77% below the national average.
Education
21.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Murdo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.7 inches, including 49.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Murdo has a population of 633 with a density of 1,005 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 33.9 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.5% female and 44.5% male. The city is predominantly White (74.1%), with 23.7% 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%. 4.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 85.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.9yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.8%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.2%
39% below US avg
The median household income in Murdo is $66,250, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,601 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $679, 53% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 60 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,250 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,601 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $679 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,145 |
| Gini Index | 0.393 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.3% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 60 |
| County GDP | $85M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
The median home value in Murdo is $120,700, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,384, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $531 (54% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 340 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. 14.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $120,700 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $300,384 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $531 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.1% |
| Housing Units | 340 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
In Murdo, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.5% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:442. 65.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Murdo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 29.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:442 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 68.9% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.2% |
Murdo has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 452 per 100,000, 77% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 452, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Murdo receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Murdo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 452.5/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| Burglary | 452.5/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Murdo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°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 21.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.1 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 2,319 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 47.4°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,319 ft (707 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,005/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8894°N, 100.7142°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jones County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.7"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.15"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 28.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
125 km |
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
90 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
129 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
56 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
19 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
49 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
121 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Apr 4, 2024 |
19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
121 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
98 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Jun 16, 2021 |
15 km N of Quinn, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
114 km |
| Jul 7, 2024 |
11 km NNW of Merriman, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
128 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
212 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 20 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 23, 1973 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1993 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1992 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1987 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1979 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1974 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1973 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1971 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONWOOD CA (41,775 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
COTTONWOOD CA |
41,775 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
LONGHORN COMPLEX |
41,443 |
85 km |
| 1988 |
LIGHTNING |
18,426 |
78 km |
| 2024 |
POWER DAM ROAD |
15,047 |
25 km |
| 2011 |
OKREEK |
11,115 |
50 km |
| 1987 |
BIG FIRE |
9,107 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
HOUCK RANCH |
8,746 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
DRY CREEK CA |
8,123 |
14 km |
| 2017 |
WANBLEE TIMBER |
4,982 |
73 km |
| 1991 |
YELLOWROBE |
4,679 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
HAYES |
4,627 |
69 km |
| 2012 |
TOWER |
4,599 |
33 km |
| 2006 |
THOMPSON COMPLEX |
3,230 |
68 km |
| 2022 |
WEST SF |
3,126 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
CLOVER |
3,062 |
67 km |
| 2002 |
LOOKING |
2,981 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
WHIPPLE CAMP |
2,643 |
33 km |
| 2006 |
RATTLE SNAKE BUTTE |
2,590 |
35 km |
| 1992 |
RIDGE RUNN |
1,976 |
98 km |
| 2015 |
FORT |
1,968 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Murdo has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Murdo. 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 Murdo
What is the population of Murdo?
Murdo has a population of 633 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,005 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.5% female and 44.5% male.
Is Murdo expensive to live in?
Murdo 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 $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,700 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $531 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Murdo safe?
Murdo is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 452 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Murdo receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Murdo?
Murdo has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.7 inches, with 49.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Murdo?
The job market in Murdo is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $679. There are 60 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 3.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Murdo?
The median home value in Murdo is $120,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,384. For renters, the median monthly rent is $531. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.9%.
How are the schools in Murdo?
Schools in Murdo score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.2% of adults in Murdo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 6.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Murdo?
The obesity rate in Murdo is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 65.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Murdo?
The average commute in Murdo is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Murdo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Murdo is 74.1% White, 23.7% 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. 4.4% of residents have a disability. 85.6% have health insurance coverage.
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