Median Income
$61,750
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$119,600
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
855/100K
125% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.4%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$994
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Pukwana Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population276
Median Age47.8 yrs
Density358/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,750
Per Capita$38,969
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$336M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$119,600
Rent$994
Ownership85.5%
Zillow$240,737
Housing Units158
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent855/100K
Property4,599/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking16.9%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.4 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,564 ft (477 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.4%
High School+92.2%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.79
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 27%
Commute17 min
Broadband82.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Pukwana a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pukwana receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Pukwana offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pukwana is $61,750, 18% below the national average of $75,149. 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%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pukwana is $119,600, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $994 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 855 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 4,599 per 100,000, 135% above the national average.
Education
18.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Pukwana experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Pukwana has a population of 276 with a density of 358 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 47.8 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.6% female and 50.4% male. The city is predominantly White (78.6%), with 17.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.8yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.4%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Pukwana is $61,750, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,969. The average weekly wage is $791, 45% 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 256 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 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,750 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,969 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $791 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,910 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 256 |
| County GDP | $336M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.8% |
The median home value in Pukwana is $119,600, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,737, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $994 (15% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 158 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $119,600 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $240,737 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $994 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.5% |
| Housing Units | 158 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
In Pukwana, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.9% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:874. The dentist ratio is 1:2,660. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pukwana vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 29.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:874 |
| Dentists | 1:2,660 |
| Mental Health | 1:664 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 67.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,506/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Pukwana has a violent crime rate of 855 per 100,000 residents, 125% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,599 per 100,000, 135% above the U.S. average. Overall, Pukwana receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pukwana vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 854.7/100K |
| 125% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,599.1/100K |
| 135% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pukwana experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°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 20.4 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 1,564 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,564 ft (477 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 358/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7791°N, 99.1843°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brule County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.4"
46% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.23"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| 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 |
115 km |
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
93 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
57 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
113 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
150 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
106 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
95 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
22 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
35 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
110 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
59 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
63 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
322 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 72 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OKREEK (11,115 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
OKREEK |
11,115 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
THOMPSON COMPLEX |
3,230 |
86 km |
| 2000 |
CLOVER |
3,062 |
71 km |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
42 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
51 km |
| 2000 |
NOVOTNY AND WAGNER |
1,968 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
FT PIERRE COMPLEX |
1,812 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
HIGHWAY 47 |
1,800 |
36 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
41 km |
| 2014 |
OKREEK |
1,273 |
85 km |
| 2000 |
BAD HORSE |
1,215 |
58 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
51 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Pukwana has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Pukwana. 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 Pukwana
What is the population of Pukwana?
Pukwana has a population of 276 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 358 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
Is Pukwana expensive to live in?
Pukwana 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 $61,750, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $119,600 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $994 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pukwana safe?
Public safety is a concern in Pukwana, with a violent crime rate of 855 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 4,599 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Pukwana receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pukwana?
Pukwana 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 75°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Pukwana?
The job market in Pukwana is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $791. There are 256 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 10.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pukwana?
The median home value in Pukwana is $119,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,737. For renters, the median monthly rent is $994. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.5%.
How are the schools in Pukwana?
Schools in Pukwana score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.4% of adults in Pukwana hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pukwana?
The obesity rate in Pukwana is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:874.
What is transportation like in Pukwana?
The average commute in Pukwana is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pukwana?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pukwana is 78.6% White, 17.4% Hispanic or Latino. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 9.2% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
