Median Income
$71,641
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$165,700
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
317/100K
17% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.7%
12% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$860
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.8%
35% higher than US avg
How Platte Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,310
Median Age32.9 yrs
Density1,248/mi²
Male / Female54% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans4.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$71,641
Per Capita$34,684
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty16.8%
County GDP$600M
Commute7 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$165,700
Rent$860
Ownership70.1%
Zillow$323,708
Housing Units602
Rent Burden23.9%
Crime
F
Violent317/100K
Property158/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault158/100K
Burglary79/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking15.4%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,602 ft (488 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.7%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score5.01
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute7 min
Broadband77.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Platte a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Platte receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Platte offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Platte is $71,641, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. The poverty rate of 16.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Platte is $165,700, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $860 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Platte is below the national average at 317 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 158 per 100,000, 92% below the national average.
Education
29.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Platte experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°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 25.9 inches, including 37.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Platte has a population of 1,310 with a density of 1,248 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 32.9 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.5% female and 53.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.5%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 4.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.9yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in Platte is $71,641, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,684 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $916, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 377 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,641 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,684 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $916 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,614 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.8% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 377 |
| County GDP | $600M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 7.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Platte is $165,700, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,708, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $860 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 602 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $3,700. 23.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $165,700 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $323,708 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $860 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.9% |
| Housing Units | 602 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.23% |
In Platte, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 21.3% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 21.5% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,054. The dentist ratio is 1:1,843. 37.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Platte vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 30.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,054 |
| Dentists | 1:1,843 |
| Mental Health | 1:840 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 68.8% |
| Premature Death | 16,779/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Platte has a violent crime rate of 317 per 100,000 residents, 17% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 158.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 158.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 158 per 100,000, 92% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 79, burglary at 79, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Platte receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Platte vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 316.7/100K |
| 17% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 158.4/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 158.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 158.4/100K |
| 92% below US avg |
| Burglary | 79.2/100K |
| Theft | 79.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Platte experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°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 25.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.2 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 1,602 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,602 ft (488 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,248/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3869°N, 98.8435°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Charles Mix County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE) 48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.9"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
Relatively 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
17 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 |
69 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
43 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
144 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
54 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
135 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
44 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
119 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
88 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
30 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
95 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
35 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
55 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
379 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 1 fatality, 88 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (6,910 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,910 |
91 km |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,875 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
NOVOTNY AND WAGNER |
1,968 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
71 km |
| 2011 |
HIGHWAY 47 |
1,800 |
87 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
92 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
15 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Platte has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Platte. 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 Platte
What is the population of Platte?
Platte has a population of 1,310 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,248 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.5% female and 53.5% male.
Is Platte expensive to live in?
Platte 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 $71,641, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $165,700 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $860 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Platte safe?
Platte is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 317 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 158 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Platte receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Platte?
Platte has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°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 25.9 inches, with 37.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Platte?
The job market in Platte is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $916. There are 377 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 7 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Platte?
The median home value in Platte is $165,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,708. For renters, the median monthly rent is $860. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,700.
How are the schools in Platte?
Schools in Platte score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.7% of adults in Platte hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Platte?
The obesity rate in Platte is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 37.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,054.
What is transportation like in Platte?
The average commute in Platte is 7 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Platte?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Platte is 94.5% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 4.1% of the population are military veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.