Median Income
$87,632
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$208,000
26% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.1%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$923
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.5%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.0%
92% lower than US avg
How Parker Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,247
Median Age36.9 yrs
Density1,066/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$87,632
Per Capita$36,623
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty1.0%
County GDP$613M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$208,000
Rent$923
Ownership77.8%
Zillow$323,751
Housing Units533
Rent Burden22.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property129/100K
Health
Obesity33.5%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking14.9%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain27.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,343 ft (409 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.1%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 23%
Commute25 min
Broadband92.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Parker a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Parker receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Parker offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Parker is $87,632, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Parker is $208,000, 26% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $923 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Parker 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 129 per 100,000, 93% below the national average.
Education
19.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Parker experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Parker has a population of 1,247 with a density of 1,066 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 36.9 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.7% female and 42.3% male. The city is predominantly White (90.5%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 2.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 7.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.9yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
The median household income in Parker is $87,632, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,623. The average weekly wage is $897, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 344 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 2.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $87,632 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,623 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $897 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,805 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.0% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 344 |
| County GDP | $613M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,420 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.6% |
The median home value in Parker is $208,000, 26% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,751, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $923 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 533 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $5,420 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $208,000 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $323,751 |
| Median List Price | $329,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $329,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $148 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.4% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $923 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.2% |
| Housing Units | 533 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,420 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.61% |
In Parker, 33.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:4,428. 36.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Parker vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 30.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:4,428 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,514 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 67.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,883/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Parker has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 129 per 100,000, 93% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Parker receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Parker vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 128.7/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Parker experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°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 27.9 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 1,343 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.4°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,343 ft (409 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,066/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3978°N, 97.1334°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Turner County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.9"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
137 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
104 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
71 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
110 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
87 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
631 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 279 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
59 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
27 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1968 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1967 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SIX PACK (1,649 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Parker has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Parker. 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 Parker
What is the population of Parker?
Parker has a population of 1,247 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,066 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.9 years. The population is 57.7% female and 42.3% male.
Is Parker expensive to live in?
Parker 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 $87,632, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $208,000 (26% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $923 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Parker safe?
Parker 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 129 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Parker receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Parker?
Parker has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Parker?
The job market in Parker is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $897. There are 344 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 2.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Parker?
The median home value in Parker is $208,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,751. For renters, the median monthly rent is $923. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,420.
How are the schools in Parker?
Schools in Parker score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.1% of adults in Parker hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Parker?
The obesity rate in Parker is 33.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 36.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Parker?
The average commute in Parker is 25 minutes. 90.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Parker?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Parker is 90.5% White, 2.8% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 7.2% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
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