Median Income
$71,313
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$145,500
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.8%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$725
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.7%
70% lower than US avg
How Parkston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,981
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density1,512/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,313
Per Capita$31,781
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty3.7%
County GDP$555M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$145,500
Rent$725
Ownership74.3%
Zillow$233,084
Housing Units844
Rent Burden24.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property205/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary68/100K
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking16.0%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.0 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,402 ft (427 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.8%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute13 min
Broadband85.7%
EV Stations4
Libraries4
Is Parkston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Parkston receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Parkston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Parkston is $71,313, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Parkston is $145,500, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Parkston 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 205 per 100,000, 90% below the national average.
Education
24.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Parkston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°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 25.0 inches, including 39.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Parkston has a population of 1,981 with a density of 1,512 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Parkston is $71,313, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,781 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $931, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 306 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 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,313 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,781 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $931 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,127 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.7% |
| 70% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 306 |
| County GDP | $555M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,914 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.0% |
The median home value in Parkston is $145,500, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,084, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $725 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 844 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $2,914 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $145,500 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $233,084 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $725 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.7% |
| Housing Units | 844 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,914 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.00% |
In Parkston, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 22.6% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:823. The dentist ratio is 1:3,684. 44.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Parkston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.6% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:823 |
| Dentists | 1:3,684 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,465 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 67.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,740/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Parkston has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 205 per 100,000, 90% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 68, vehicle theft at 137 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Parkston receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Parkston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 205.5/100K |
| 90% below US avg |
| Burglary | 68.5/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 137.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Parkston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°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 25.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,402 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,402 ft (427 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,512/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3929°N, 97.9864°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hutchinson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.0"
34% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
101 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
74 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
59 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 |
75 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
40 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
90 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
101 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
53 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
69 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
538 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 350 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
47 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1965 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KAYLKOWSKI (1,966 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
79 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
68 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Parkston has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Parkston. 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 Parkston
What is the population of Parkston?
Parkston has a population of 1,981 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,512 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Parkston expensive to live in?
Parkston 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 $71,313, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $145,500 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Parkston safe?
Parkston 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 205 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Parkston receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Parkston?
Parkston has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°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 25.0 inches, with 39.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Parkston?
The job market in Parkston is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $931. There are 306 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 3.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Parkston?
The median home value in Parkston is $145,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,084. For renters, the median monthly rent is $725. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,914.
How are the schools in Parkston?
Schools in Parkston score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.8% of adults in Parkston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Parkston?
The obesity rate in Parkston is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 22.6% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 44.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:823.
What is transportation like in Parkston?
The average commute in Parkston is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Parkston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Parkston is 94.2% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 9.5% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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