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Okaton, SD

South Dakota · Jones County

Okaton is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 41.

Data updated April 2026

1.4 /5.0
F Poor
41 Population 1/sq mi density
47°F Avg Temperature 291 sunny days/yr
429 Violent Crime/100K 572 property/100K
F
Overall
1.4 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
429 violent crimes/100K (13% above avg)
D
Education
1.8 / 5.0
10.3% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Okaton, SD

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Violent Crime 429/100K
13% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 10.3%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 0.0%
100% lower than US avg

How Okaton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population41
Median Age37.8 yrs
Density1/mi²
Male / Female24% / 76%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans29.0%

Economy

Per Capita$22,620
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$85M

Housing

Ownership100.0%
Zillow$300,384
Housing Units14
Rent Burden16.5%

Crime

F
Violent429/100K
Property572/100K

Health

Obesity35.4%
Smoking17.5%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease6.1%

Climate

Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain21.7 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation2,107 ft (642 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+10.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.14

Community

2024 VoteR 87% / D 11%
Broadband10.0%
EV Stations1

Is Okaton a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Okaton receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Okaton faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.

Safety & Crime

The violent crime rate of 429 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 572 per 100,000, 71% below the national average.

Education

10.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.

Climate & Weather

Okaton 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.

Okaton has a population of 41 with a density of 1 people per square mile, spread across 29.8 square miles. The median age is 37.8 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 75.6% female and 24.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 29.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 46.5% have health insurance coverage.

Population

41
Total Population
1
People / sq mi
37.8yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
29.8mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 24.4%
Female 75.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Okaton vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish 0.0%
100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Okaton vs U.S. Average

Per capita income is $22,620 (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). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. 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. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Okaton vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$22,620
Avg Weekly Wage$679
IRS Avg AGI$59,145
Gini Index0.393 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate0.0%
100% below US avg
Establishments (County)60
County GDP$85M

Business (County)

Restaurants15
Retail8

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living88.60 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone0.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,384. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 14 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. 16.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Zillow ZHVI$300,384

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Rent Burden16.5%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$691
1 Bedroom$784
2 Bedrooms$990
3 Bedrooms$1,295
4 Bedrooms$1,540

Ownership & Property

Homeownership100.0%
Owner-Occupied100.0%
Renter-Occupied0.0%
Housing Units14
Median Year Built1972

Property Tax

In Okaton, 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. 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: Okaton vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity35.4%
10% above US avg
Diabetes10.3%
Heart Disease6.1%
High Blood Pressure30.8%
Asthma10.7%
COPD6.6%
Cancer7.7%
Stroke3.3%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking17.5%
25% above US avg
Binge Drinking20.5%
Physical Inactivity24.2%
Depression22.2%
Mental Distress17.1%
Physical Distress12.6%
Short Sleep29.7%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate46.5%
Dentists1:442
Checkup Rate73.5%
Dental Visits68.9%

Food & Exercise

Food Environment5.1/10
Exercise Access65.2%
Okaton has a violent crime rate of 429 per 100,000 residents, 13% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 572 per 100,000, 71% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Okaton receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Okaton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent429.2/100K
13% above US avg

Property Crime

Total Property572.3/100K
71% below US avg

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)2
Traffic Accidents1
Avg Accident Severity2.0 / 4.0

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Okaton 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 2,107 feet.

Temperature

21°F Jan (-6°C) 75°F Jul (24°C)
Annual Average47.4°F
12% below US avg
January Average21°F (-6°C)
July Average75°F (24°C)
Sunny Days291 days/yr

Geography

Elevation2,107 ft (642 m)
Area29.8 sq mi (77.2 km²)
Population Density1/sq mi
Coordinates43.8521°N, 100.8814°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyJones County County
Nearest AirportPierre Regional (PIR)
47 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 21.7"
43% below US avg
Snowfall 49.1"
Wettest Month (Jun) 3.11"
Driest Month (Jan) 0.35"

Air Quality

AQI Median35.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score1.3 / 100
Social Vulnerability10.6 / 100
Community Resilience28.8 / 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

20 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 M4.0 144 km
May 25, 2003 10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota M4.0 113 km
May 30, 2024 38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota M3.7 96 km
Jan 25, 1994 8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska M3.3 149 km
Aug 9, 2011 2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota M3.3 67 km
Jun 18, 2015 15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska M3.3 128 km
Mar 2, 1990 7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota M3.2 144 km
Aug 5, 2022 4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota M3.2 33 km
Feb 7, 2007 11 km WSW of Wasta, South Dakota M3.1 138 km
Jul 12, 1998 7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota M3.1 38 km
Feb 20, 1993 21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska M3.1 123 km
Aug 15, 2017 8 km E of Agar, South Dakota M3.0 132 km
Feb 7, 2014 11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota M3.0 148 km
Apr 4, 2024 19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota M2.8 107 km
Jul 3, 1995 9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota M2.8 112 km
Mar 20, 2010 9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska M2.7 137 km
Jul 7, 2024 11 km NNW of Merriman, Nebraska M2.6 116 km
Jun 16, 2021 15 km N of Quinn, South Dakota M2.6 102 km
Jun 8, 2025 19 km NW of Wasta, South Dakota M2.6 143 km
Apr 27, 2025 9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota M2.5 150 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tornado History

203 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950. Strongest: EF3. Total: 18 injuries.

Date Rating Distance Fatalities
Jul 23, 1973 EF3 70 km 0
Jun 12, 2022 EF2 7 km 0
Jun 12, 2022 EF2 10 km 0
May 22, 2016 EF2 99 km 0
May 22, 2010 EF2 97 km 0
Jul 3, 2003 EF2 90 km 0
Jun 29, 1993 EF2 98 km 0
Jun 12, 1993 EF2 73 km 0
Jun 30, 1992 EF2 96 km 0
Jun 15, 1992 EF2 66 km 0
Aug 5, 1987 EF2 83 km 0
Sep 7, 1979 EF2 78 km 0
Jul 2, 1974 EF2 80 km 0
May 19, 1974 EF2 58 km 0
May 19, 1974 EF2 57 km 0
Jul 8, 1973 EF2 67 km 0
Jun 15, 1971 EF2 64 km 0
Jun 4, 1971 EF2 31 km 0
Jun 4, 1971 EF2 51 km 0
Jun 4, 1971 EF2 46 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 79 km
2012 LONGHORN COMPLEX 41,443 77 km
1988 LIGHTNING 18,426 71 km
2024 POWER DAM ROAD 15,047 20 km
2012 CROOKSTON 14,962 96 km
2011 OKREEK 11,115 58 km
1987 BIG FIRE 9,107 60 km
2000 HOUCK RANCH 8,746 85 km
2021 DRY CREEK CA 8,123 9 km
2017 WANBLEE TIMBER 4,982 59 km
1991 YELLOWROBE 4,679 53 km
2000 HAYES 4,627 69 km
2012 TOWER 4,599 28 km
1999 BIG BUFFALO CREEK 3,981 90 km
2006 THOMPSON COMPLEX 3,230 81 km
2022 WEST SF 3,126 75 km
2000 CLOVER 3,062 81 km
2002 LOOKING 2,981 77 km
2002 POTATO CREEK 2,733 99 km
2021 WHIPPLE CAMP 2,643 19 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 (-3°C) 0.4 in
March 35°F (2°C) 1.4 in
April 47°F (8°C) 2.1 in
May 58°F (15°C) 2.8 in
June 68°F (20°C) 3.1 in Wettest
July 75°F (24°C) 2.5 in Warmest
August 74°F (23°C) 1.7 in
September 63°F (17°C) 1.3 in
October 50°F (10°C) 1.3 in
November 34°F (1°C) 0.6 in
December 23°F (-5°C) 0.4 in

Okaton has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and January the driest (0.4").

View full weather details →
Okaton is located in Jones County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 10.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 69% below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 6.1 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 86.7% of the vote, a 75.8-point margin. 10.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). The area has 1 EV charging stations.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 86.7%
D 10.9%

Winner: Republican by 75.8 points

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)2
Traffic Accidents1
Avg Accident Severity2.0 / 4.0
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Education

Bachelor's Degree+10.3%
69% below US avg
High School+100.0%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
School Test Score6.14
D Education Grade (1.8/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density1/sq mi
Total Area29.8 sq mi
CountyJones County County

Services

Broadband Access10.0%
Avg Download Speed19.9 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed5.1 Mbps
Max Download Speed100 Mbps
EV Charging Stations1
Alt Fuel Stations2
Restaurants15
Retail Stores8

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone0.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%
Average costs for common services in Okaton. 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)

Top Industries in Jones County

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Retail Trade 62 7 $34,609 1.60
Finance & Insurance 15 4 $58,549 0.95

National Parks Near Okaton

1 national parks and monuments found near Okaton.

ParkTypeFee
Smith Falls State Park State Park Free

Museums in Okaton

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
PIONEER AUTO MUSEUMGENERAL MUSEUM6056692691

Cell Towers in Okaton

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
3.2 MILES NORTHEAST OFTOWER49

Bridges in Okaton

LocationTypeKindYear BuiltLength (ft)Daily TrafficCondition
SlabConcrete continuous19691243,360F
SlabConcrete continuous19691243,360G
SlabConcrete continuous19691063,360F
SlabConcrete continuous19691063,360F
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete continuous19691473,360G
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete continuous19691473,360F
SlabConcrete continuous19691193,335F
SlabConcrete continuous19691193,335F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel1937134129F
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete201732285G
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel continuous196930423F

Airports Near Okaton

11 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Pierre Regional AirportPIRMedium Airport
Hayes Emergency AirstripSmall Airport
Juhnke AirportSmall Airport
Kadoka Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Murdo Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Oller AirportSmall Airport
Philip AirportPHPSmall Airport
Rosebud Sioux Tribal AirportSmall Airport
Valburg Ranch AirportSmall Airport
W L Thompson AirportSmall Airport
White River Municipal AirportSmall Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Okaton

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
OKATON EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH24259 259TH AVE

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Frequently Asked Questions About Okaton

What is the population of Okaton?

Okaton has a population of 41 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1 people per square mile, spread across 29.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.8 years. The population is 75.6% female and 24.4% male.

Is Okaton expensive to live in?

Okaton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100.

Is Okaton safe?

The violent crime rate in Okaton is 429 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 572 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Okaton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Okaton?

Okaton 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 Okaton?

The job market in Okaton 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.

How are the schools in Okaton?

Schools in Okaton score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.3% of adults in Okaton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Okaton?

The obesity rate in Okaton 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. 65.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.

What are the demographics of Okaton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Okaton is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 29.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 46.5% have health insurance coverage.

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