Median Income
$48,558
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$56,700
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.7%
86% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$525
55% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.0%
94% higher than US avg
How New Effington Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population236
Median Age39.5 yrs
Density908/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 52%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$48,558
Per Capita$24,636
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty24.0%
County GDP$563M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$56,700
Rent$525
Ownership73.7%
Zillow$204,001
Housing Units110
Rent Burden19.4%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity42.0%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking19.4%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,085 ft (331 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.7%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score4.02
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute17 min
Broadband95.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is New Effington a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Effington receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. New Effington offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in New Effington is $48,558, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. The poverty rate of 24.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New Effington is $56,700, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $525 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
New Effington 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
4.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
New Effington has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 10°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 25.8 inches, including 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
New Effington has a population of 236 with a density of 908 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 39.5 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (51.7%), with 46.6% Hispanic, 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 81.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.5yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New Effington vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
Social Characteristics
New Effington vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New Effington is $48,558, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,636 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $871, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 24.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 315 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: New Effington vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,558 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,636 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $871 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,590 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.0% |
| 94% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 315 |
| County GDP | $563M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in New Effington is $56,700, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,001, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $525 (55% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 110 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $4,300 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $56,700 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $204,001 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $525 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.3% |
| Housing Units | 110 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.58% |
In New Effington, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 19.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.9% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,388. The dentist ratio is 1:782. 8.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: New Effington vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.4% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,388 |
| Dentists | 1:782 |
| Mental Health | 1:928 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.9% |
| Premature Death | 15,878/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 8.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
New Effington has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: New Effington vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
New Effington has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. 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 25.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.3 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 1,085 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.3°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,085 ft (331 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 908/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.8576°N, 96.9150°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Roberts County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
66 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.8"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 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 |
52 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
9 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
399 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 68 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
72 km |
2 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 2014 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2011 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2005 |
EF2 |
94 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 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
70 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
85 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
63 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
85 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
19 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
72 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
82 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
96 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
81 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
29 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
81 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
85 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
29 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
26 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
84 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
58 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
81 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
New Effington has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 10°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in New Effington. 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 New Effington
What is the population of New Effington?
New Effington has a population of 236 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 908 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.5 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is New Effington expensive to live in?
New Effington 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 $48,558, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $56,700 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $525 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is New Effington safe?
New Effington 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in New Effington?
New Effington has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 10°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 25.8 inches, with 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in New Effington?
The job market in New Effington is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $871. There are 315 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in New Effington?
The median home value in New Effington is $56,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,001. For renters, the median monthly rent is $525. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,300.
How are the schools in New Effington?
Schools in New Effington have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.7% of adults in New Effington hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is New Effington?
The obesity rate in New Effington is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.4% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 8.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,388.
What is transportation like in New Effington?
The average commute in New Effington is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of New Effington?
The racial and ethnic makeup of New Effington is 51.7% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 46.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 22.0% of residents have a disability. 81.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
