Median Income
$43,274
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$42,200
85% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
86/100K
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.0%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$500
57% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
49.5%
54% higher than US avg
Unemployment
15.6%
333% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
32.4%
161% higher than US avg
How Oglala Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,601
Median Age28.1 yrs
Density128/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 1%
Veterans9.9%
Economy
D
Median Income$43,274
Per Capita$15,311
Unemployment15.6%
Poverty32.4%
County GDP$433M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$42,200
Rent$500
Ownership62.0%
Zillow$335,202
Housing Units380
Rent Burden20.4%
Crime
F
Violent86/100K
Property690/100K
Health
Obesity49.5%
Uninsured22.5%
Smoking45.9%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease13.2%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Sunny Days261/yr
Elevation3,145 ft (959 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.0%
High School+79.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score1.56
Community
2024 VoteR 13% / D 84%
Commute16 min
Broadband44.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Oglala a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oglala receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Oglala has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Oglala is $43,274, 42% below the national average of $75,149. At 15.6%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 32.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oglala is $42,200, 85% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $500 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Oglala is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 690 per 100,000, 65% below the national average.
Education
8.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.6% have completed high school. School test scores average 1.6/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Oglala experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 261 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Oglala has a population of 1,601 with a density of 128 people per square mile, spread across 13.4 square miles. The median age is 28.1 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (96.9%), with 1.3% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.8% of residents, while 12.2% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 57.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.1yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.8%
12% above US avg
Spanish
12.2%
9% below US avg
The median household income in Oglala is $43,274, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,311 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,030, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 15.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 32.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 136 business establishments, including 10 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). 0.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,274 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,311 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,030 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $40,606 |
| Gini Index | 0.509 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 15.6% |
| 333% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 32.4% |
| 161% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 136 |
| County GDP | $433M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 50.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.9% |
The median home value in Oglala is $42,200, 85% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $335,202, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $500 (57% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 380 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. 20.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $42,200 |
| 85% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $335,202 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $500 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.0% |
| Housing Units | 380 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
In Oglala, 49.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 26.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 13.2% of residents, above the national average. 44.8% have high blood pressure. 45.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.5% report binge drinking. 46.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 26.3% experience frequent mental distress. 22.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,717. The dentist ratio is 1:4,506. 1.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Oglala vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 49.5% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 26.4% |
| Heart Disease | 13.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.8% |
| Asthma | 15.7% |
| COPD | 18.1% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 8.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 45.9% |
| 228% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 46.7% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 26.3% |
| Physical Distress | 26.6% |
| Short Sleep | 42.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 57.4% |
| Uninsured | 22.5% |
| 162% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,717 |
| Dentists | 1:4,506 |
| Mental Health | 1:840 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 30.1% |
| Premature Death | 40,417/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 1.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Oglala has a violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 residents, 77% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 690 per 100,000, 65% below the U.S. average. Overall, Oglala receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oglala vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 86.3/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 690.1/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oglala experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 261 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 3,145 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.0°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 261 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,145 ft (959 m) |
| Area | 13.4 sq mi (34.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 128/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1916°N, 102.7097°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Oglala Lakota County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rapid City Regional (RAP)
62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.95"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
29 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 8, 2025.
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
21 km |
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
75 km |
| Apr 9, 1996 |
34 km SW of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
114 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
13 km WNW of Hill City, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
125 km |
| Mar 9, 2025 |
7 km W of Fairburn, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
72 km |
| Dec 12, 2013 |
10 km WSW of Hermosa, South Dakota |
M3.5 |
85 km |
| Mar 26, 2021 |
10 km E of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.4 |
82 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
21 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| May 3, 1996 |
32 km SSW of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Feb 7, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
94 km |
| Jun 18, 1998 |
23 km S of Chadron, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
68 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
22 km ESE of Hill View Heights, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
115 km |
| Nov 2, 1992 |
5 km ESE of Lusk, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Jan 16, 2012 |
25 km E of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
40 km |
| Mar 10, 2011 |
22 km N of Van Tassell, Wyoming |
M2.9 |
118 km |
| Jun 16, 2024 |
7 km NNE of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M2.9 |
60 km |
| Apr 4, 2024 |
19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
65 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
211 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 68 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1994 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1963 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1956 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2020 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2016 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2016 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2012 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 2003 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
19 km |
1 |
| Aug 17, 1983 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1983 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1982 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1982 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1982 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1977 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1976 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1969 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WELLNITZ (77,277 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
WELLNITZ |
77,277 |
23 km |
| 2012 |
WEST ASH |
55,228 |
68 km |
| 2017 |
LEGION LAKE |
54,868 |
77 km |
| 1989 |
FT.ROBINSON |
46,887 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
DOUTHIT |
29,036 |
84 km |
| 2006 |
DAWES COUNTY COMPLEX |
27,923 |
61 km |
| 2007 |
STAMPEDE |
22,848 |
13 km |
| 1985 |
FLINT HILLS |
21,062 |
79 km |
| 1985 |
YELLOWBEAR |
19,212 |
50 km |
| 2016 |
FREEMAN |
19,121 |
27 km |
| 1985 |
4TH OFJULY |
18,177 |
12 km |
| 2012 |
HAY CANYON |
17,815 |
27 km |
| 1988 |
GALENA |
16,936 |
86 km |
| 2002 |
BATTLE CREEK |
15,034 |
96 km |
| 1990 |
SWEDLUND |
14,673 |
85 km |
| 2016 |
INDIAN CANYON |
13,791 |
87 km |
| 2000 |
HASNOHORSE |
13,420 |
64 km |
| 2022 |
CASINO |
11,583 |
17 km |
| 1987 |
GRASS CK3 |
11,125 |
13 km |
| 2001 |
WEST HELL CANYON |
11,097 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Oglala has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in December to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Oglala. 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 Oglala
What is the population of Oglala?
Oglala has a population of 1,601 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 128 people per square mile, spread across 13.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Oglala expensive to live in?
Oglala 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 $43,274, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $42,200 (85% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $500 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Oglala safe?
Oglala is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 690 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Oglala receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oglala?
Oglala has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 261 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Oglala?
The job market in Oglala faces challenges, with unemployment at 15.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,030. There are 136 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 0.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oglala?
The median home value in Oglala is $42,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $335,202. For renters, the median monthly rent is $500. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.0%.
How are the schools in Oglala?
Schools in Oglala have an average test score of 1.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 8.0% of adults in Oglala hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oglala?
The obesity rate in Oglala is 49.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 45.9% of adults are smokers. 46.7% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 22.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 1.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,717.
What is transportation like in Oglala?
The average commute in Oglala is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 50.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oglala?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oglala is 1.3% White, 96.9% Hispanic or Latino. 87.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.2% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 57.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
