Median Income
$30,859
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
429/100K
13% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.1%
79% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$568
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
50.1%
56% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
71.3%
475% higher than US avg
How Parmelee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population637
Median Age18.0 yrs
Density112/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
C
Median Income$30,859
Per Capita$5,349
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty71.3%
County GDP$143M
Housing
A+
Home ValueN/A
Rent$568
Ownership10.7%
Zillow$201,493
Housing Units99
Rent Burden32.3%
Crime
F
Violent429/100K
Property572/100K
Health
Obesity50.1%
Uninsured15.4%
Smoking36.6%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease10.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain21.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation2,680 ft (817 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.1%
High School+84.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.54
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
CommuteN/A
Broadband88.0%
Libraries3
Is Parmelee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Parmelee receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Parmelee has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Parmelee is $30,859, 59% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 71.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $568 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 429 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 572 per 100,000, 71% below the national average.
Education
7.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.4% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.5/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Parmelee experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.9 inches, including 47.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Parmelee has a population of 637 with a density of 112 people per square mile, spread across 5.8 square miles. The median age is 18.0 years, 54% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.3% female and 55.7% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (98%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 78.7% of residents, while 21.3% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 6.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 56.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
18.0yrs
Median Age
54% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
78.7%
0% below US avg
Spanish
21.3%
59% above US avg
The median household income in Parmelee is $30,859, which is 59% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $5,349 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $818, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 71.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 98 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $30,859 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $5,349 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $818 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $42,858 |
| Gini Index | 0.521 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 71.3% |
| 475% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 98 |
| County GDP | $143M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 7 |
| Retail | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 22.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,493. Monthly rent averages $568 (51% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 10.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 99 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. 32.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $568 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 10.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 10.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 89.3% |
| Housing Units | 99 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
In Parmelee, 50.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 22.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 10.9% of residents, above the national average. 41.2% have high blood pressure. 36.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.0% report binge drinking. 39.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.6% report depression. 23.1% experience frequent mental distress. 15.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:1,112. 51.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Parmelee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 50.1% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 22.9% |
| Heart Disease | 10.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.2% |
| Asthma | 15.0% |
| COPD | 12.8% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 6.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 36.6% |
| 161% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.6% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 23.1% |
| Physical Distress | 21.8% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 56.0% |
| Uninsured | 15.4% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,112 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 47.4% |
| Premature Death | 21,695/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
Parmelee has a violent crime rate of 429 per 100,000 residents, 13% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 572 per 100,000, 71% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Parmelee receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Parmelee vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 429.2/100K |
| 13% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 572.3/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Parmelee experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°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 21.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 47.2 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 2,680 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,680 ft (817 m) |
| Area | 5.8 sq mi (15.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 112/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3337°N, 101.0430°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bennett County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ainsworth Regional (ANW) 74 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.9"
42% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 2.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
21 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
118 km |
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
67 km |
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Aug 26, 1991 |
15 km SSE of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
108 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
80 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
118 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
80 km |
| Apr 11, 2016 |
11 km E of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.2 |
123 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
25 km |
| Feb 7, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
66 km |
| Jan 1, 2025 |
4 km S of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| Apr 4, 2024 |
19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
96 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
112 km |
| Jul 7, 2024 |
11 km NNW of Merriman, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
67 km |
| Jun 16, 2021 |
15 km N of Quinn, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
122 km |
| Aug 6, 2012 |
21 km WNW of Mullen, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
214 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 11 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 6, 1963 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1956 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 2003 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1993 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1982 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1979 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1977 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1974 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1973 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1972 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1971 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: REGION 24 COMPLEX (66,349 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
REGION 24 COMPLEX |
66,349 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
POWDER HORN |
48,608 |
77 km |
| 2016 |
COTTONWOOD CA |
41,775 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
LONGHORN COMPLEX |
41,443 |
18 km |
| 1985 |
YELLOWBEAR |
19,212 |
88 km |
| 1988 |
LIGHTNING |
18,426 |
12 km |
| 2000 |
VAL COMP |
15,513 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
POWER DAM ROAD |
15,047 |
43 km |
| 2012 |
CROOKSTON |
14,962 |
41 km |
| 2000 |
HASNOHORSE |
13,420 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
OKREEK |
11,115 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
DECKER |
10,883 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
BIG FIRE |
9,107 |
17 km |
| 2021 |
DRY CREEK CA |
8,123 |
68 km |
| 2023 |
MCCANN |
7,110 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
HACKBERRY SOUTH RX |
6,463 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
RED WATER |
5,407 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,014 |
83 km |
| 2017 |
WANBLEE TIMBER |
4,982 |
51 km |
| 2003 |
PAPA |
4,746 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Parmelee has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Parmelee. 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 Parmelee
What is the population of Parmelee?
Parmelee has a population of 637 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 112 people per square mile, spread across 5.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 18.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.3% female and 55.7% male.
Is Parmelee expensive to live in?
Parmelee 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 $30,859, 59% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $568 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Parmelee safe?
The violent crime rate in Parmelee is 429 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 572 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Parmelee receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Parmelee?
Parmelee has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.9 inches, with 47.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Parmelee?
Parmelee has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $818. There are 98 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Parmelee?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $568. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 10.7%.
How are the schools in Parmelee?
Schools in Parmelee have an average test score of 3.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 7.1% of adults in Parmelee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Parmelee?
The obesity rate in Parmelee is 50.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 36.6% of adults are smokers. 39.6% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 15.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 51.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What are the demographics of Parmelee?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Parmelee is 98% Hispanic or Latino. 78.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 21.3% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 6.5% of residents have a disability. 56.0% have health insurance coverage.