Prairie City, SD

South Dakota · Perkins County

Prairie City is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 18.

Sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-year estimates, FBI Crime Data Explorer 2024, NOAA, EPA. Updated August 2026

5.0 /5.0
A+ Excellent
18 Population 13/sq mi density
41°F Avg Temperature
A+
Overall
5.0 / 5.0
Excellent overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A+
Education
5.0 / 5.0
0.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Prairie City, SD

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Bachelor's+ 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 36.1%
12% higher 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%
Veterans0.0%

Housing

Ownership100.0%
Zillow$163,393
Housing Units16
Rent Burden27.3%

Health

Obesity36.1%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking16.7%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease5.8%

Climate

Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain16.9 in/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%
Broadband100.0%
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 a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Prairie City stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.

Economy & Jobs

Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.

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. Annual precipitation totals 16.9 inches, including 39.7 inches of snow.

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 Asian (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 38.9% of residents, while 72.7% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below 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

18
Total Population
2023 Census
13
People / sq mi
44.2yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
1.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 27.8%
Female 72.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Prairie City vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 38.9%
50% below US avg
Spanish 72.7%
443% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Prairie City vs U.S. Average

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.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Zillow ZHVI$163,393

Rental Costs

Rent Burden27.3%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$691
1 Bedroom$784
2 Bedrooms$990
3 Bedrooms$1,295
4 Bedrooms$1,540

Ownership & Property

Homeownership100.0%
Owner-Occupied100.0%
Renter-Occupied0.0%
Housing Units16

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. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 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

Obesity36.1%
12% above US avg
Diabetes9.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
High Blood Pressure28.7%
Asthma10.8%
COPD6.5%
Cancer7.8%
Stroke3.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking16.7%
19% above US avg
Binge Drinking20.7%
Physical Inactivity23.5%
Depression23.4%
Mental Distress17.5%
Physical Distress12.5%
Short Sleep30.4%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate100.0%
Uninsured0.0%
100% below US avg
Primary Care1:2,819
Mental Health1:472
Checkup Rate73.4%
Dental Visits64.5%
Premature Death6,534/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.2/10
Exercise Access50.6%
Healthcare Facilities18
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. Annual precipitation totals 16.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 2,853 feet.

Temperature

16°F Jan (-9°C) 67°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average41.1°F
24% below US avg
January Average16°F (-9°C)
July Average67°F (19°C)

Geography

Elevation2,853 ft (870 m)
Area1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²)
Population Density13/sq mi
Coordinates45.5361°N, 102.8171°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyPerkins County County
Nearest AirportDickinson/Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK)
87 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 16.9"
56% below US avg
Snowfall 39.7"
Wettest Month (Jun) 3.50"
Driest Month (Jan) 0.19"

Air Quality

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score2.6 / 100
Social Vulnerability10.6 / 100
Community Resilience13.3 / 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) 0.2 in Coldest, Driest
February 19°F (-7°C) 0.3 in
March 29°F (-1°C) 0.7 in
April 40°F (4°C) 1.4 in
May 51°F (10°C) 2.5 in
June 61°F (16°C) 3.5 in Wettest
July 67°F (19°C) 2.3 in Warmest
August 66°F (19°C) 2.1 in
September 56°F (14°C) 1.5 in
October 42°F (5°C) 1.6 in
November 28°F (-2°C) 0.5 in
December 19°F (-7°C) 0.3 in

Prairie City has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 16°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.2").

View full weather details →
Prairie City is located in Perkins County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 0.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 100% below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.8 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 84.4% of the vote, a 70-point margin. 100.0% of households have broadband internet access (above the 90.0% national rate). There are 2 public libraries serving the community. 18 healthcare facilities operate in the area.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 84.4%
D 14.3%

Winner: Republican by 70 points

Safety & Disasters

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Education

Bachelor's Degree+0.0%
100% below US avg
High School+100.0%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
School Test Score5.80
A+ Education Grade (5.0/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density13/sq mi
Total Area1.4 sq mi
CountyPerkins County County

Services

Broadband Access100.0%
Avg Download Speed51.1 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed13.3 Mbps
Public Libraries2
Healthcare Facilities18
Restaurants6
Retail Stores21

Commute & Transportation

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)

Top Industries in Perkins County

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Retail Trade 132 18 $25,010 1.18
Health Care & Social Assistance 121 10 $37,859 0.75
Wholesale Trade 116 8 $52,711 2.63
Administrative & Waste Services 90 9 $55,041 1.37
Construction 57 10 $55,340 0.97
Finance & Insurance 44 10 $63,261 0.97
Other Services 36 11 $43,330 1.07
Professional & Technical Services 18 10 $46,391 0.23
Information & Technology 10 4 $28,724 0.48

Campgrounds Near Prairie City

1 campgrounds found near Prairie City.

NameRatingSitesPrice
Reva Gap Campground - - Free

Trails Near Prairie City

8 trails found near Prairie City.

TrailMilesSurfaceHikeBikeHorse
SUMMIT DIVIDE 10.6 NATIVE MATERIAL - - -
31503 3.4 NATIVE MATERIAL - - -
315010 2.5 NATIVE MATERIAL - - -
31507 2.3 NATIVE MATERIAL - - -
31503B 1.9 NATIVE MATERIAL - - -
ANA SPRING 1.6 NATIVE MATERIAL - - -
31504 0.6 NATIVE MATERIAL - - -
31504-A 0.5 NATIVE MATERIAL - - -

Cell Towers in Prairie City

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
15031 Sd HWY 20 (121998)LTOWER94
15031 Sd HWY 20 (121998)LTOWER94
15301 South Dakota Highway 20 (121998)LTOWER94
15301 South Dakota Highway 20 (121998)LTOWER94

Fire Stations in Prairie City

NameAddressTypeActive FirefightersVolunteersPhone
Prairie City Fire Department621 SD Highway 20Volunteer605-866-4829

Bridges in Prairie City

LocationTypeKindYear BuiltLength (ft)Daily TrafficCondition
CulvertConcrete continuous200829424G
CulvertConcrete continuous200823424G
CulvertConcrete continuous200839424G
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel1964139378F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel continuous1957460357F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel continuous1962234357F
SlabConcrete continuous196283357G
SlabConcrete continuous196283357G
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete1988130263F
CulvertConcrete continuous202029209G
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel continuous1966234205F
CulvertConcrete continuous199431205G
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel continuous1959167158F
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete199213091F
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete continuous200212586G
SlabConcrete continuous195212885G
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete19773075F
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete19946555G
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete continuous199616841G
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete19864538F
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete19919033G
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel19867931F
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete continuous199718030G
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete continuous200017126G
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete201713423G
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete continuous200515014G
CulvertConcrete continuous2006299G

Airports Near Prairie City

12 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Bison Municipal Airport-Small Airport
Bledsoe Ranch Airport-Small Airport
Blomberg 42 Ranch Private Airport-Small Airport
Bowman Regional AirportBWMSmall Airport
Hagen Private Airport-Small Airport
Harding County Airport-Small Airport
Hettinger Municipal Airport-Small Airport
Lemmon Municipal AirportLEMSmall Airport
Ludlow Regional Airport-Small Airport
Nelson Airport-Small Airport
Vig Limousin Airport-Small Airport
Vig Ranch Airfield-Small Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Prairie City

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
BECKMAN MEMORIAL WESLEYAN CHURCH305 1ST ST E

Explore Near Prairie City

Historic Markers
1
Officially designated historical markers from the Historical Marker Database
View all →

Historic Markers Near Prairie City

1 historical markers from the Historical Marker Database (HMdb) found near Prairie City.

Name Description
Battle of Slim Buttes September 9-10, 1876. Memorial is on South Dakota Route 20, 1.5 miles west of South Dakota Route 79, on the left when traveling west.

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Prairie City.

Get Report

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.

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. Annual rainfall totals 16.9 inches, with 39.7 inches of snow.

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. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 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?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Prairie City is 100% Asian. 38.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 72.7% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Hettinger, ND 1,141 pop · 33.5 mi Lemmon, SD 1,214 pop · 42.2 mi Bowman, ND 1,523 pop · 52.9 mi Belle Fourche, SD 5,741 pop · 78.8 mi Sturgis, SD 7,111 pop · 84.6 mi North Eagle Butte, SD 1,432 pop · 84.9 mi Eagle Butte, SD 1,492 pop · 85.7 mi Spearfish, SD 12,551 pop · 87.2 mi North Spearfish, SD 2,201 pop · 88.5 mi Baker, MT 1,535 pop · 90.4 mi Deadwood, SD 1,319 pop · 90.9 mi Dickinson, ND 25,216 pop · 93.8 mi Lead, SD 2,997 pop · 94.0 mi Summerset, SD 2,978 pop · 96.3 mi
Compare Prairie City with another city:

Want every data point for Prairie City?

The full profile puts all sections on one printable page, no tabs.

Full City Profile