Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Prairie City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population18
Median Age44.2 yrs
Density13/mi²
Male / Female28% / 72%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans11.0%
Economy
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$176M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$163,393
Housing Units16
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Smoking16.7%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain16.9 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation2,853 ft (870 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Broadband11.0%
Libraries2
Is Prairie City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Prairie City receives an overall livability score of 5.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Prairie City stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Prairie City 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Prairie City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Prairie City has a population of 18 with a density of 13 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 44.2 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 72.2% female and 27.8% male. The city is predominantly White (0%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 27.3% of residents, while 72.7% speak Spanish. 11.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.2yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Prairie City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
27.3%
65% below US avg
Spanish
72.7%
443% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Prairie City vs U.S. Average
The average weekly wage is $803, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 139 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living.
Income: Prairie City vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $803 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,867 |
| Gini Index | 0.496 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 139 |
| County GDP | $176M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,393. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 16 total housing units in the city. 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 16 |
Property Tax
In Prairie City, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,819. 50.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Prairie City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 30.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,819 |
| Mental Health | 1:472 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 64.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,534/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Prairie City has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average.
Crime Rates: Prairie City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Prairie City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 311 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 16.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 2,853 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.1°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,853 ft (870 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 13/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5361°N, 102.8171°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Perkins County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dickinson/Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK)
87 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.9"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 13.3 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 8, 2025.
| Sep 25, 2009 |
15 km E of Alzada, Montana |
M4.2 |
123 km |
| Sep 5, 1993 |
4 km NNW of Central City, South Dakota |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Jul 29, 2013 |
18 km SE of Ekalaka, Montana |
M2.6 |
124 km |
| Jun 8, 2025 |
19 km NW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
115 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 1969 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2018 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1963 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2018 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2018 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1986 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1972 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1972 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1972 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1969 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1969 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 1964 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2011 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WINDY (16,866 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
WINDY |
16,866 |
60 km |
| 2015 |
SHEEP DRAW |
13,837 |
85 km |
| 1999 |
FAITH |
12,629 |
79 km |
| 2013 |
PAUTRE |
11,733 |
42 km |
| 2021 |
DIVIDE CA |
10,635 |
15 km |
| 2006 |
BLACK HORSE CREEK |
8,000 |
61 km |
| 2024 |
TRAVIN |
7,917 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
CAMP CROOK COMPLEX |
6,927 |
83 km |
| 1999 |
MILL IRON |
6,494 |
100 km |
| 1988 |
SHORT PINES |
5,516 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
KELLY |
5,071 |
46 km |
| 2000 |
LICKINY |
3,802 |
65 km |
| 2015 |
MOONSHINE |
2,768 |
29 km |
| 2000 |
PASTURE 9 BURN |
2,768 |
63 km |
| 2007 |
HAY CREEK |
2,655 |
22 km |
| 2001 |
LEMON BUTTE |
2,556 |
70 km |
| 2003 |
MEAT HOOK |
2,522 |
34 km |
| 2006 |
RED OWL |
2,470 |
99 km |
| 2002 |
TRAVERS |
2,403 |
71 km |
| 2007 |
HARRIS |
2,369 |
39 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Prairie City has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 16°F in January to 70°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 15.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Prairie City. 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 Prairie City
What is the population of Prairie City?
Prairie City has a population of 18 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 13 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 72.2% female and 27.8% male.
Is Prairie City expensive to live in?
Prairie City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Prairie City safe?
Prairie City 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Prairie City?
Prairie City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Prairie City?
The job market in Prairie City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $803. There are 139 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Prairie City?
Schools in Prairie City score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Prairie City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Prairie City?
The obesity rate in Prairie City is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 50.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,819.
What are the demographics of Prairie City?
27.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 72.7% speak Spanish. 11.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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