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Onaka, SD

South Dakota · Faulk County

Onaka is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 23.

Data updated April 2026

5.0 /5.0
A+ Excellent
23 Population 88/sq mi density
43°F Avg Temperature 276 sunny days/yr
A+
Overall
5.0 / 5.0
Excellent overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A+
Education
5.0 / 5.0
50.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Onaka, 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 0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 50.0%
48% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 100.0%
706% higher than US avg

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

People

Population23
Median Age13.5 yrs
Density88/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans10.0%

Economy

Per Capita$3,122
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty100.0%
County GDP$169M

Housing

Ownership100.0%
Zillow$150,184
Housing Units13
Rent Burden18.8%

Crime

Violent0/100K
Property0/100K

Health

Obesity35.2%
Smoking17.9%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.8%

Climate

Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain21.4 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,860 ft (567 m)

Education

A+
Bachelor's+50.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.44

Community

2024 VoteR 81% / D 16%
Broadband7.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1

Is Onaka a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Onaka receives an overall livability score of 5.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Onaka stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.

Economy & Jobs

The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 100.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.

Safety & Crime

Onaka 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

Educational attainment is solid, with 50.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.

Climate & Weather

Onaka has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 12°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 21.4 inches, including 47.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.

Onaka has a population of 23 with a density of 88 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age is 13.5 years, 65% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.2% female and 47.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 10.0% 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). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

23
Total Population
88
People / sq mi
13.5yrs
Median Age
65% below US avg
0.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 47.8%
Female 52.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Onaka 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

Onaka vs U.S. Average

Per capita income is $3,122 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $818, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 100.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 126 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 62.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Onaka vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$3,122
Avg Weekly Wage$818
IRS Avg AGI$76,770
Gini Index0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate100.0%
706% above US avg
Establishments (County)126
County GDP$169M

Business (County)

Restaurants9
Healthcare6
Retail11

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living88.60 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone0.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home62.5%

Walkability

Zillow estimates the typical home value at $150,184. 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 13 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Zillow ZHVI$150,184

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Rent Burden18.8%

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 Units13
Median Year Built1949

Property Tax

In Onaka, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.7% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,137. 44.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Onaka vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity35.2%
10% above US avg
Diabetes9.7%
Heart Disease5.8%
High Blood Pressure28.6%
Asthma10.2%
COPD6.6%
Cancer6.9%
Stroke3.0%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking17.9%
28% above US avg
Binge Drinking19.7%
Physical Inactivity23.6%
Depression22.7%
Mental Distress17.4%
Physical Distress12.4%
Short Sleep31.6%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate100.0%
Primary Care1:2,137
Checkup Rate69.8%
Dental Visits58.4%
Premature Death5,579/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment6.2/10
Exercise Access44.8%
Healthcare Facilities6
Onaka 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.

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

Violent Crime

Total Violent0.0/100K
100% below US avg

Property Crime

Total Property0.0/100K
100% below US avg

Traffic Safety

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Safety Score

View full crime details →
Onaka has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. 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 21.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 47.0 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 1,860 feet.

Temperature

12°F Jan (-11°C) 71°F Jul (22°C)
Annual Average42.6°F
21% below US avg
January Average12°F (-11°C)
July Average71°F (22°C)
Sunny Days276 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,860 ft (567 m)
Area0.0 sq mi (0.0 km²)
Population Density88/sq mi
Coordinates45.1912°N, 99.4647°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyFaulk County County
Nearest AirportAberdeen Regional (ABR)
54 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 21.4"
44% below US avg
Snowfall 47.0"
Wettest Month (Jun) 3.35"
Driest Month (Jan) 0.35"

Air Quality

AQI Median35.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score8.0 / 100
Social Vulnerability90.7 / 100
Community Resilience48.4 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Very Low
Earthquake Very Low
Wildfire Relatively Low
Flood Very Low
Hail Relatively 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 Relatively Low
Landslide Very Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on May 30, 2024.

May 30, 2024 38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota M3.7 102 km
Aug 9, 2011 2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota M3.3 120 km
Jul 26, 2002 0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota M3.1 135 km
Aug 15, 2017 8 km E of Agar, South Dakota M3.0 55 km
Jul 3, 1995 9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota M2.8 133 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tornado History

304 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950. Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 40 injuries.

Date Rating Distance Fatalities
May 22, 2010 EF4 36 km 0
Jun 23, 2002 EF4 97 km 0
Aug 24, 2006 EF3 56 km 0
Jun 23, 2002 EF3 89 km 0
May 31, 1996 EF3 83 km 0
Jun 7, 1993 EF3 90 km 0
Jul 1, 1973 EF3 76 km 1
Jun 20, 1968 EF3 70 km 0
Jun 20, 1968 EF3 56 km 0
Jul 31, 1966 EF3 90 km 2
Jun 9, 1957 EF3 32 km 0
Aug 28, 2024 EF2 82 km 0
Aug 30, 2020 EF2 66 km 1
Jul 4, 2020 EF2 74 km 0
May 22, 2010 EF2 53 km 0
Aug 24, 2006 EF2 81 km 0
Jul 18, 2001 EF2 17 km 0
Jun 7, 1993 EF2 92 km 0
Jun 7, 1993 EF2 92 km 0
Jun 7, 1993 EF2 92 km 0
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)

Wildfire History

10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: LAPLANTE (14,777 ac, 2002).

Year Name Acres Distance
2002 LAPLANTE 14,777 94 km
2022 ROHRBACH 2,887 16 km
2006 1804 2,778 78 km
2011 MOUND CITY 2,755 85 km
2006 FOUR BEAR 2,179 72 km
2003 JOEL BERTSCH 2 1,460 80 km
1991 UNNAMED 1,438 92 km
2004 ALLEN STUECKLE 1,330 76 km
2005 N HYDE 1,204 53 km
2021 FUZZY 1,075 77 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 12°F (-11°C) 0.4 in Coldest, Driest
February 19°F (-8°C) 0.4 in
March 30°F (-1°C) 1.1 in
April 44°F (7°C) 1.9 in
May 57°F (14°C) 2.5 in
June 66°F (19°C) 3.4 in Wettest
July 71°F (22°C) 2.5 in Warmest
August 70°F (21°C) 2.2 in
September 60°F (15°C) 1.5 in
October 47°F (8°C) 1.3 in
November 29°F (-2°C) 0.6 in
December 16°F (-9°C) 0.4 in

Onaka has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.4").

View full weather details →
Onaka is located in Faulk County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 50.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 48% above 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 6.4 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 81.4% of the vote, a 65.2-point margin. 7.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). The area has 1 EV charging stations. There are 1 public libraries serving the community. 6 healthcare facilities operate in the area.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 81.4%
D 16.2%

Winner: Republican by 65.2 points

Safety & Disasters

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Education

Bachelor's Degree+50.0%
48% above US avg
High School+100.0%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
School Test Score6.44
A+ Education Grade (5.0/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density88/sq mi
Total Area0.0 sq mi
CountyFaulk County County

Services

Broadband Access7.0%
Avg Download Speed166.9 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed152.5 Mbps
Max Download Speed1,000 Mbps
EV Charging Stations1
Alt Fuel Stations1
Public Libraries1
Healthcare Facilities6
Restaurants9
Retail Stores11

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone0.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home62.5%
Average costs for common services in Onaka. 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 Faulk County

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

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Agriculture & Forestry 69 18 $50,847 12.39
Retail Trade 61 12 $26,776 0.89
Wholesale Trade 56 12 $59,157 2.07
Finance & Insurance 34 6 $75,236 1.22
Other Services 8 6 $34,563 0.39
Information & Technology 7 4 $22,248 0.54

Cell Towers in Onaka

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
County Road 6 (108322)LTOWER61
County Road 6 (108322)LTOWER61
County Road 6 (108322)LTOWER61
County Road 6 (108322)LTOWER61
County Road 6 (108322)LTOWER61
County Road 6 (108322)LTOWER61
(Seneca site) 33197 160th St.LTOWER61

Fire Stations in Onaka

NameAddressTypeActive FirefightersVolunteersPhone
Onaka Volunteer Fire Department120 Main STVolunteer605-447-5831

Airports Near Onaka

16 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Beaman AirportSmall Airport
Bowdle Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Eureka Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Faulkton Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Gary Myers AirportSmall Airport
Gettysburg Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Harrold Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Herreid Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Highmore Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Hoven Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Lost Creek AirportSmall Airport
Mike Harmon Aviation AirportSmall Airport
Miller Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Onida Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Strouckel Farm AirportSmall Airport
TC FieldSmall Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Onaka

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS14768 338TH AVE

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Frequently Asked Questions About Onaka

What is the population of Onaka?

Onaka has a population of 23 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 88 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 13.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.2% female and 47.8% male.

Is Onaka expensive to live in?

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

Is Onaka safe?

Onaka 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 Onaka?

Onaka has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°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 21.4 inches, with 47.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.

How is the job market in Onaka?

The job market in Onaka is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $818. There are 126 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations.

How are the schools in Onaka?

Schools in Onaka score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 50.0% of adults in Onaka hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Onaka?

The obesity rate in Onaka is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 44.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,137.

What are the demographics of Onaka?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Onaka is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 10.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

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