Median Income
$38,750
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$41,000
85% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
449/100K
18% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.0%
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How Ortley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population62
Median Age44.0 yrs
Density28/mi²
Male / Female63% / 37%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans51.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$38,750
Per Capita$28,465
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty9.1%
County GDP$381M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$41,000
Ownership75.0%
Zillow$246,456
Housing Units37
Rent Burden22.7%
Crime
F
Violent449/100K
Property1,142/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Smoking20.5%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.7 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,844 ft (562 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.0%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score5.61
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute20 min
Broadband32.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Ortley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ortley receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Ortley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ortley is $38,750, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 9.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ortley is $41,000, 85% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 449 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,142 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
17.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Ortley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.7 inches, including 58.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Ortley has a population of 62 with a density of 28 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 44.0 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.1% female and 62.9% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%), with 3.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 51.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 85.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.0yrs
Median Age
13% 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 Ortley is $38,750, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,465 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $863, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 268 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,750 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,465 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $863 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,519 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 268 |
| County GDP | $381M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,400 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 13.17% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.0% |
The median home value in Ortley is $41,000, 85% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $246,456, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 37 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,400 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $41,000 |
| 85% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $246,456 |
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 | 75.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.0% |
| Housing Units | 37 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,400 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 13.17% |
In Ortley, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 20.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,707. The dentist ratio is 1:5,479. 45.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ortley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.5% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.2% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,707 |
| Dentists | 1:5,479 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,776/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Ortley has a violent crime rate of 449 per 100,000 residents, 18% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,142 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. Overall, Ortley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ortley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 448.8/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,142.4/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ortley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°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 25.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 58.6 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 1,844 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-11°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.6°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,844 ft (562 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 28/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3349°N, 97.2049°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Day County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.7"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
80 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
57 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
384 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 60 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2005 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 23, 2004 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1996 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
77 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
96 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
71 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
62 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
68 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
53 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
66 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
89 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
66 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
71 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
86 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
71 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
12 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
68 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
67 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Ortley has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Ortley. 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 Ortley
What is the population of Ortley?
Ortley has a population of 62 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 28 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.1% female and 62.9% male.
Is Ortley expensive to live in?
Ortley 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 $38,750, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $41,000 (85% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ortley safe?
The violent crime rate in Ortley is 449 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 1,142 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ortley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ortley?
Ortley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.7 inches, with 58.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Ortley?
The unemployment rate in Ortley is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $863. There are 268 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 13.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ortley?
The median home value in Ortley is $41,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $246,456. The homeownership rate is 75.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,400.
How are the schools in Ortley?
Schools in Ortley score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.0% of adults in Ortley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ortley?
The obesity rate in Ortley is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.5% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 45.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,707.
What is transportation like in Ortley?
The average commute in Ortley is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ortley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ortley is 95.2% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 51.0% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 85.2% have health insurance coverage.
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