Median Income
$76,481
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$234,500
17% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
205/100K
46% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.8%
18% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,092
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.6%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How North Sioux City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,018
Median Age33.8 yrs
Density904/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans9.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,481
Per Capita$42,673
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty9.1%
County GDP$2,419M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$234,500
Rent$1,092
Ownership49.0%
Zillow$414,793
Housing Units1,446
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
F
Violent205/100K
Property1,876/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault171/100K
Burglary239/100K
Health
Obesity31.6%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking13.5%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain30.0 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,107 ft (337 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.8%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+13.5%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute16 min
Broadband88.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is North Sioux City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, North Sioux City receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. North Sioux City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in North Sioux City is $76,481, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in North Sioux City is $234,500, 17% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,092 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in North Sioux City is below the national average at 205 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,876 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
27.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
North Sioux City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.0 inches, including 30.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
North Sioux City has a population of 3,018 with a density of 904 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 33.8 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54% female and 46% male. The city is predominantly White (83.6%), with 4% Hispanic, 3.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.1% of residents, while 6.9% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.8yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
North Sioux City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.1%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.9%
49% below US avg
Social Characteristics
North Sioux City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in North Sioux City is $76,481, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,673. The average weekly wage is $1,144, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 504 business establishments, including 50 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). 1.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: North Sioux City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,481 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,673 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,144 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,044 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 504 |
| County GDP | $2,419M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 39 |
| Retail | 60 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,248 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.2% |
The median home value in North Sioux City is $234,500, 17% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $414,793, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.4% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,092 (6% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 49.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,446 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1997. The average annual property tax is $4,248 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $234,500 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $414,793 |
| Median List Price | $260,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $260,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $148 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,092 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 49.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 49.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,446 |
| Median Year Built | 1997 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,248 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.81% |
In North Sioux City, 31.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.5% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 20.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.1% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,080. The dentist ratio is 1:3,006. 86.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: North Sioux City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.6% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.5% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.5% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,080 |
| Dentists | 1:3,006 |
| Mental Health | 1:394 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 70.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,312/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
North Sioux City has a violent crime rate of 205 per 100,000 residents, 46% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 170.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 34.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,876 per 100,000, 4% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,398, burglary at 239, vehicle theft at 239 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, North Sioux City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: North Sioux City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 204.6/100K |
| 46% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 34.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 170.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,875.9/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
| Burglary | 238.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,398.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 238.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
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 |
North Sioux City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°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 30.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,107 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,107 ft (337 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 904/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5309°N, 96.4996°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dakota County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX) 11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.0"
21% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
86 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
99 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
124 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
119 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
626 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 213 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
87 km |
4 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
North Sioux City has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in North Sioux City. 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 | $1,055 |
| Toddler | $979 |
| Preschool | $888 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About North Sioux City
What is the population of North Sioux City?
North Sioux City has a population of 3,018 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 904 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 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 54% female and 46% male.
Is North Sioux City expensive to live in?
North Sioux City 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 $76,481, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $234,500 (17% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,092 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is North Sioux City safe?
North Sioux City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 205 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,876 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, North Sioux City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in North Sioux City?
North Sioux City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.0 inches, with 30.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in North Sioux City?
North Sioux City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,144. There are 504 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 1.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in North Sioux City?
The median home value in North Sioux City is $234,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $414,793. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,092. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 49.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,248.
How are the schools in North Sioux City?
Schools in North Sioux City score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.8% of adults in North Sioux City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 13.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is North Sioux City?
The obesity rate in North Sioux City is 31.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 20.5% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 86.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,080.
What is transportation like in North Sioux City?
The average commute in North Sioux City is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of North Sioux City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of North Sioux City is 83.6% White, 3.8% Black or African American, 4% Hispanic or Latino. 93.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.9% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.