Median Income
$70,250
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$165,800
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.3%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$847
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.0%
68% lower than US avg
How Oacoma Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population505
Median Age45.8 yrs
Density192/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans11.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$70,250
Per Capita$38,371
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty4.0%
County GDP$336M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$165,800
Rent$847
Ownership79.2%
Zillow$240,737
Housing Units255
Rent Burden17.9%
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking14.3%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain20.4 in/yr
Elevation1,376 ft (419 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.3%
High School+91.3%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score5.79
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 27%
Commute14 min
Broadband85.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Oacoma a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oacoma receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Oacoma offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Oacoma is $70,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oacoma is $165,800, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $847 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
21.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Oacoma experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.4 inches, including 43.3 inches of snow.
Oacoma has a population of 505 with a density of 192 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 45.8 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.2% female and 57.8% male. The city is predominantly White (95.8%), with 2.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 11.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 89.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
505
Total Population
2023 Census
45.8yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
The median household income in Oacoma is $70,250, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,371. The average weekly wage is $791, 45% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 256 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,250 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,371 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $791 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,910 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.0% |
| 68% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 256 |
| County GDP | $336M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Oacoma is $165,800, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,737, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $847 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 255 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. 17.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $165,800 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $240,737 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $847 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.8% |
| Housing Units | 255 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
In Oacoma, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 20.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.4% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:874. The dentist ratio is 1:2,660. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oacoma vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.5% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 28.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.7% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:874 |
| Dentists | 1:2,660 |
| Mental Health | 1:664 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 74.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,506/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Oacoma experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,376 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,376 ft (419 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 192/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8045°N, 99.3661°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brule County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR)
61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.4"
46% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.57"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively 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 High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 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 |
121 km |
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
136 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
102 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
72 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
100 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
91 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
104 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
33 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
24 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
107 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
63 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
294 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 46 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1973 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OKREEK (11,115 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
OKREEK |
11,115 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
THOMPSON COMPLEX |
3,230 |
73 km |
| 2000 |
CLOVER |
3,062 |
57 km |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
38 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
NOVOTNY AND WAGNER |
1,968 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
FT PIERRE COMPLEX |
1,812 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
HIGHWAY 47 |
1,800 |
25 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
34 km |
| 2014 |
OKREEK |
1,273 |
71 km |
| 2000 |
BAD HORSE |
1,215 |
45 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Oacoma has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Oacoma. 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 Oacoma
What is the population of Oacoma?
Oacoma has a population of 505 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 192 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.2% female and 57.8% male.
Is Oacoma expensive to live in?
Oacoma 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 $70,250, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $165,800 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $847 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Oacoma?
Oacoma has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 20.4 inches, with 43.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Oacoma?
The unemployment rate in Oacoma is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $791. There are 256 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oacoma?
The median home value in Oacoma is $165,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,737. For renters, the median monthly rent is $847. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.2%.
How are the schools in Oacoma?
Schools in Oacoma score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.3% of adults in Oacoma hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oacoma?
The obesity rate in Oacoma is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 20.5% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:874.
What is transportation like in Oacoma?
The average commute in Oacoma is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oacoma?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oacoma is 95.8% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 11.8% of the population are military veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 89.7% have health insurance coverage.