Median Income
$65,438
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$212,500
25% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.0%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$987
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.4%
32% lower than US avg
How Rapid City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,315
Median Age51.6 yrs
Density243/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans12.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,438
Per Capita$31,757
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty8.4%
County GDP$839M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$212,500
Rent$987
Ownership86.3%
Zillow$352,531
Housing Units883
Rent Burden37.2%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property3,254/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking15.8%
Depression29.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.7 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation617 ft (188 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score4.46
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute25 min
Broadband93.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Rapid City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rapid City receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Rapid City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rapid City is $65,438, 13% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rapid City is $212,500, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $987 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Rapid 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 3,254 per 100,000, 66% above the national average.
Education
13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Rapid City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.7 inches, including 132.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Rapid City has a population of 1,315 with a density of 243 people per square mile, spread across 5.5 square miles. The median age is 51.6 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.2%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 12.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.6yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rapid City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rapid City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rapid City is $65,438, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,757 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,162, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 388 business establishments, including 32 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 3.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rapid City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,438 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,757 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,162 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,719 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.4% |
| 32% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 388 |
| County GDP | $839M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,661 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
The median home value in Rapid City is $212,500, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $352,531, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $987 (15% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 883 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $4,661 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 37.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $212,500 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $352,531 |
| Median List Price | $214,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $214,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $102 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $987 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.7% |
| Housing Units | 883 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,661 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.19% |
In Rapid City, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 29.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,495. The dentist ratio is 1:2,597. 43.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rapid City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 29.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.1% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,495 |
| Dentists | 1:2,597 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,156 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.2% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,139/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Rapid City has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,254 per 100,000, 66% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rapid City receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Rapid City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,253.5/100K |
| 66% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Rapid City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 270 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 33.7 inches. The area receives 132.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 617 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 617 ft (188 m) |
| Area | 5.5 sq mi (14.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 243/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.8384°N, 85.2898°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Kalkaska County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.7"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 2, 2024.
| Aug 2, 2024 |
38 km ESE of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin |
M2.9 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
101 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 95 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
36 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
19 km |
1 |
| May 28, 1995 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1974 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1973 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1963 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) (7,478 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) |
7,478 |
74 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
88 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
56 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
57 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
84 km |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
86 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
64 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
55 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
56 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
57 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
50 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
46 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
40 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE MACK LAKE |
875 |
99 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
41 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Rapid City has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 18°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Rapid City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $538 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $697 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $714 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rapid City
What is the population of Rapid City?
Rapid City has a population of 1,315 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 243 people per square mile, spread across 5.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Rapid City expensive to live in?
Rapid City has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $65,438, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $212,500 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $987 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rapid City safe?
Rapid 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 3,254 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Rapid City receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rapid City?
Rapid City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.7 inches, with 132.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Rapid City?
Rapid City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,162. There are 388 business establishments in the area, including 32 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 3.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rapid City?
The median home value in Rapid City is $212,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $352,531. For renters, the median monthly rent is $987. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,661.
How are the schools in Rapid City?
Schools in Rapid City have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.0% of adults in Rapid City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rapid City?
The obesity rate in Rapid City is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 29.1% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 43.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,495.
What is transportation like in Rapid City?
The average commute in Rapid City is 25 minutes. 92.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rapid City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rapid City is 96.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 12.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
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