Median Income
$41,389
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$38,800
86% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.0%
88% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.4%
73% higher than US avg
How Orient Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population54
Median Age63.5 yrs
Density186/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans50.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,389
Per Capita$25,211
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty21.4%
County GDP$282M
Housing
A+
Home Value$38,800
Ownership79.4%
Zillow$172,569
Housing Units30
Rent Burden21.9%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property550/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Smoking19.1%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain21.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,605 ft (489 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.0%
High School+86.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.10
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Broadband34.0%
Libraries1
Is Orient a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Orient receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Orient offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Orient is $41,389, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 21.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Orient is $38,800, 86% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Orient 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 550 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
4.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Orient has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 15°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 21.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Orient has a population of 54 with a density of 186 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 63.5 years, 63% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.9% female and 61.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 50.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 30.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
63.5yrs
Median Age
63% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Orient is $41,389, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,211 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $845, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 171 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 13.9% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,389 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,211 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $845 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,327 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.4% |
| 73% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 171 |
| County GDP | $282M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 77.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.9% |
The median home value in Orient is $38,800, 86% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,569, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 30 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 21.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $38,800 |
| 86% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $172,569 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.6% |
| Housing Units | 30 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Orient, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 19.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,547. The dentist ratio is 1:3,140. 55.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Orient vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.1% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,547 |
| Dentists | 1:3,140 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 59.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,479/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Orient has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 550 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. Overall, Orient receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Orient vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 550.2/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Orient has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 15°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 21.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,605 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,605 ft (489 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 186/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9017°N, 99.0887°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hand County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.0"
45% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.6 / 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
8 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 |
117 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
133 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 |
91 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
69 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
105 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
343 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 60 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
23 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HOLIDAY (2,936 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
80 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
92 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
35 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Orient has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Orient. 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 Orient
What is the population of Orient?
Orient has a population of 54 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 186 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38.9% female and 61.1% male.
Is Orient expensive to live in?
Orient 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 $41,389, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $38,800 (86% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Orient safe?
Orient 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 550 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Orient receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Orient?
Orient has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°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 21.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Orient?
The job market in Orient is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $845. There are 171 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Orient?
The median home value in Orient is $38,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,569. The homeownership rate is 79.4%.
How are the schools in Orient?
Schools in Orient score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.0% of adults in Orient hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Orient?
The obesity rate in Orient is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.1% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 55.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,547.
What are the demographics of Orient?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Orient is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 50.0% of the population are military veterans. 30.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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