Median Income
$20,256
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
746/100K
96% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.0%
79% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
49.9%
55% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
72.0%
481% higher than US avg
How Porcupine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population549
Median Age32.5 yrs
Density57/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 2%
Veterans14.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$20,256
Per Capita$5,851
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty72.0%
County GDP$433M
Commute23 min
Housing
Ownership83.4%
Zillow$201,493
Housing Units321
Rent Burden42.4%
Crime
F
Violent746/100K
Property2,982/100K
Health
Obesity49.9%
Uninsured22.8%
Smoking46.1%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease13.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Sunny Days261/yr
Elevation3,287 ft (1,002 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.0%
High School+61.1%
Graduate+0.2%
School Score1.56
Community
2024 VoteR 13% / D 84%
Commute23 min
Broadband38.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Porcupine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Porcupine receives an overall livability score of 1.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Porcupine faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Porcupine is $20,256, 73% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 72.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Safety & Crime
With 746 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,982 per 100,000, 52% above the national average.
Education
7.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 61.1% have completed high school. School test scores average 1.6/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Porcupine experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 261 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Porcupine has a population of 549 with a density of 57 people per square mile, spread across 9.5 square miles. The median age is 32.5 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.2% female and 56.8% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (90%), with 2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 77.2% of residents, while 22.8% speak Spanish. 14.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 73.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.5yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Porcupine vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
77.2%
2% below US avg
Spanish
22.8%
70% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Porcupine vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Porcupine is $20,256, which is 73% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $5,851 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,030, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 72.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 136 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Porcupine vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $20,256 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $5,851 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,030 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $40,606 |
| Gini Index | 0.509 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 72.0% |
| 481% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 136 |
| County GDP | $433M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 11.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,493. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 321 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. 42.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.6% |
| Housing Units | 321 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
In Porcupine, 49.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 27.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 13.2% of residents, above the national average. 44.9% have high blood pressure. 46.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.6% report binge drinking. 46.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 26.3% experience frequent mental distress. 22.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,717. The dentist ratio is 1:4,506. 1.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Porcupine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 49.9% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 27.0% |
| Heart Disease | 13.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.9% |
| Asthma | 15.7% |
| COPD | 17.9% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 8.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 46.1% |
| 229% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 46.8% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 26.3% |
| Physical Distress | 26.8% |
| Short Sleep | 43.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 73.1% |
| Uninsured | 22.8% |
| 165% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,717 |
| Dentists | 1:4,506 |
| Mental Health | 1:840 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 33.2% |
| Premature Death | 40,417/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 1.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Porcupine has a violent crime rate of 746 per 100,000 residents, 96% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,982 per 100,000, 52% above the U.S. average. Overall, Porcupine receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Porcupine vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 745.6/100K |
| 96% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,982.3/100K |
| 52% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Porcupine experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 261 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 3,287 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 261 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,287 ft (1,002 m) |
| Area | 9.5 sq mi (24.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 57/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2685°N, 102.3353°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Oglala Lakota County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rapid City Regional (RAP)
65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.07"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
28 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 8, 2025.
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
15 km |
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
48 km |
| Apr 9, 1996 |
34 km SW of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
13 km WNW of Hill City, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
137 km |
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
122 km |
| Mar 9, 2025 |
7 km W of Fairburn, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
90 km |
| Dec 12, 2013 |
10 km WSW of Hermosa, South Dakota |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| Mar 26, 2021 |
10 km E of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.4 |
111 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
14 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
104 km |
| Jun 18, 1998 |
23 km S of Chadron, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| Feb 7, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
87 km |
| May 3, 1996 |
32 km SSW of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
22 km ESE of Hill View Heights, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
137 km |
| Jan 16, 2012 |
25 km E of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
59 km |
| Jun 16, 2024 |
7 km NNE of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M2.9 |
81 km |
| Mar 10, 2011 |
22 km N of Van Tassell, Wyoming |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Mar 18, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Hot Springs, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
95 km |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
15 km NNE of Oelrichs, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
67 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
207 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 68 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1994 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1963 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1956 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2016 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2016 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 2003 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1983 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1983 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1982 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1982 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1982 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1977 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1972 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1969 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1966 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WELLNITZ (77,277 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
WELLNITZ |
77,277 |
42 km |
| 2012 |
WEST ASH |
55,228 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
LEGION LAKE |
54,868 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
COTTONWOOD CA |
41,775 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
DAWES COUNTY COMPLEX |
27,923 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
STAMPEDE |
22,848 |
34 km |
| 1985 |
YELLOWBEAR |
19,212 |
18 km |
| 2016 |
FREEMAN |
19,121 |
52 km |
| 1985 |
4TH OFJULY |
18,177 |
33 km |
| 2012 |
HAY CANYON |
17,815 |
54 km |
| 2000 |
HASNOHORSE |
13,420 |
43 km |
| 2022 |
CASINO |
11,583 |
48 km |
| 1987 |
GRASS CK3 |
11,125 |
21 km |
| 2000 |
DECKER |
10,883 |
14 km |
| 2000 |
PEPPER CREEK |
8,915 |
20 km |
| 1985 |
SEVEN SISTERS |
8,465 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
FLAGPOLE MOUNTAIN |
7,703 |
96 km |
| 2002 |
WANNA |
7,699 |
36 km |
| 1991 |
SHIRTTAIL |
6,828 |
100 km |
| 2002 |
COTTONWOOD |
6,696 |
9 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Porcupine has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 25°F in December to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Porcupine. 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 Porcupine
What is the population of Porcupine?
Porcupine has a population of 549 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 57 people per square mile, spread across 9.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.2% female and 56.8% male.
Is Porcupine expensive to live in?
Porcupine 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 $20,256, 73% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Porcupine safe?
Public safety is a concern in Porcupine, with a violent crime rate of 746 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,982 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Porcupine receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Porcupine?
Porcupine has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 261 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Porcupine?
The job market in Porcupine is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,030. There are 136 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Porcupine?
Schools in Porcupine have an average test score of 1.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 7.0% of adults in Porcupine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 61.1% have completed high school. 0.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Porcupine?
The obesity rate in Porcupine is 49.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 46.1% of adults are smokers. 46.8% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 22.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 1.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,717.
What is transportation like in Porcupine?
The average commute in Porcupine is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 11.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Porcupine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Porcupine is 2% White, 90% Hispanic or Latino. 77.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 22.8% speak Spanish. 14.5% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 73.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
