Median Income
$76,250
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$110,500
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.8%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$900
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.6%
47% lower than US avg
How Plankinton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population637
Median Age42.5 yrs
Density838/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,250
Per Capita$51,805
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.6%
County GDP$156M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,500
Rent$900
Ownership77.1%
Zillow$278,447
Housing Units297
Rent Burden13.5%
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured0.9%
Smoking15.0%
Depression20.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
Rain23.9 in/yr
Elevation1,520 ft (463 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.8%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+8.0%
School Score6.13
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute18 min
Broadband86.7%
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Is Plankinton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Plankinton receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Plankinton stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Plankinton is $76,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Plankinton is $110,500, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
24.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Plankinton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 23.9 inches, including 37.7 inches of snow.
Plankinton has a population of 637 with a density of 838 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 42.5 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (87.9%), with 16.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.4% of residents, while 15.7% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 99.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
637
Total Population
2023 Census
42.5yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Plankinton vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.4%
10% above US avg
Spanish
15.7%
17% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Plankinton vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Plankinton is $76,250, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $51,805 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $805, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 102 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Plankinton vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,250 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $51,805 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $805 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,306 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.6% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 102 |
| County GDP | $156M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.3% |
The median home value in Plankinton is $110,500, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $278,447, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $900 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 297 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. 13.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,500 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $278,447 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $900 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.9% |
| Housing Units | 297 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
In Plankinton, 37.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 20.2% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 20.6% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 0.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 3.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Plankinton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 20.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.1% |
| Uninsured | 0.9% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:1,391 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,790/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 3.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Plankinton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 23.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,520 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.1°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,520 ft (463 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 838/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7154°N, 98.4836°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Aurora County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.9"
37% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.72"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively 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 Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 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 |
111 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
81 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
9 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
82 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
75 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
49 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
146 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
87 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
79 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
9 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
447 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 251 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
65 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1965 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HOLIDAY (2,936 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
HIGHWAY 47 |
1,800 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
87 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
32 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Plankinton has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 18°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Plankinton. 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 Plankinton
What is the population of Plankinton?
Plankinton has a population of 637 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 838 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Plankinton expensive to live in?
Plankinton 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 $76,250, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,500 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Plankinton?
Plankinton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 23.9 inches, with 37.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Plankinton?
The job market in Plankinton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $805. There are 102 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 8.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Plankinton?
The median home value in Plankinton is $110,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $278,447. For renters, the median monthly rent is $900. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.1%.
How are the schools in Plankinton?
Schools in Plankinton score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.8% of adults in Plankinton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Plankinton?
The obesity rate in Plankinton is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 20.6% of residents report depression. 0.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 3.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Plankinton?
The average commute in Plankinton is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Plankinton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Plankinton is 87.9% White, 16.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Asian. 86.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.7% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 99.1% have health insurance coverage.