Median Income
$85,217
13% higher than US avg
Home Value
$226,300
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,263
9% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.2%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.8%
61% lower than US avg
How Rapid Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,153
Median Age42.6 yrs
Density1,116/mi²
Male / Female56% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans12.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$85,217
Per Capita$40,944
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty4.8%
County GDP$1,848M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$226,300
Rent$1,263
Ownership95.8%
Zillow$359,031
Housing Units3,138
Rent Burden35.0%
Health
Obesity33.2%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking15.3%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
Rain17.4 in/yr
Elevation3,245 ft (989 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+91.8%
Graduate+7.8%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 33%
Commute18 min
Broadband93.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Rapid Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rapid Valley receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Rapid Valley stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rapid Valley is $85,217, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rapid Valley is $226,300, 20% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,263 per month. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Rapid Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.4 inches, including 48.5 inches of snow.
Rapid Valley has a population of 7,153 with a density of 1,116 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age is 42.6 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.5% female and 55.5% male. The city is predominantly White (78.4%), with 3.8% Hispanic, 1.9% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 12.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
7,153
Total Population
2023 Census
42.6yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rapid Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rapid Valley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rapid Valley is $85,217, which is 13% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,944. The average weekly wage is $965, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,630 business establishments, including 155 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rapid Valley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $85,217 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,944 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $965 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,246 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.8% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,630 |
| County GDP | $1,848M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 155 |
| Healthcare | 98 |
| Retail | 158 |
| Manufacturing | 35 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,013 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Rapid Valley is $226,300, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $359,031, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $280,000 with homes selling in an average of 100 days. Homes sell for 98.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,263 (9% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,138 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $6,013 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 35.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $226,300 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $359,031 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $280,000 |
| Median List Price | $295,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $280,000 |
| Median List Price | $295,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $182 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Days on Market | 100 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.3% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 14 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,263 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.2% |
| Housing Units | 3,138 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,013 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.66% |
In Rapid Valley, 33.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,047. The dentist ratio is 1:1,512. 92.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rapid Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.2% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,047 |
| Dentists | 1:1,512 |
| Mental Health | 1:379 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 67.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,603/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 98 |
Rapid Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 3,245 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,245 ft (989 m) |
| Area | 6.4 sq mi (16.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,116/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0675°N, 103.1223°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lawrence County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rapid City Regional (RAP) 4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.4"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.45"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
22 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 |
137 km |
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
98 km |
| Apr 9, 1996 |
34 km SW of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
136 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
13 km WNW of Hill City, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
50 km |
| Mar 9, 2025 |
7 km W of Fairburn, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
46 km |
| Dec 12, 2013 |
10 km WSW of Hermosa, South Dakota |
M3.5 |
32 km |
| Mar 26, 2021 |
10 km E of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.4 |
97 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
99 km |
| Feb 7, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
44 km |
| May 3, 1996 |
32 km SSW of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
22 km ESE of Hill View Heights, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
70 km |
| Jan 16, 2012 |
25 km E of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
65 km |
| Jun 16, 2024 |
7 km NNE of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M2.9 |
58 km |
| Mar 18, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Hot Springs, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
80 km |
| Jan 5, 2004 |
28 km SSE of Hill View Heights, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
87 km |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
15 km NNE of Oelrichs, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
84 km |
| Apr 4, 2024 |
19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
91 km |
| Sep 5, 1993 |
4 km NNW of Central City, South Dakota |
M2.7 |
65 km |
| Jun 16, 2021 |
15 km N of Quinn, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
82 km |
| Jun 8, 2025 |
19 km NW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
44 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
171 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 41 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 29, 1993 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1965 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1965 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2016 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2015 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1991 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1983 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1972 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1972 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1972 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1969 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1969 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JASPER (82,298 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
JASPER |
82,298 |
67 km |
| 2012 |
OIL CREEK |
63,182 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
LEGION LAKE |
54,868 |
49 km |
| 1985 |
FLINT HILLS |
21,062 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
WHITE OWL |
20,022 |
87 km |
| 2016 |
FREEMAN |
19,121 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
RED POINT |
18,057 |
89 km |
| 2012 |
HAY CANYON |
17,815 |
86 km |
| 1988 |
GALENA |
16,936 |
39 km |
| 2002 |
BATTLE CREEK |
15,034 |
25 km |
| 1990 |
SWEDLUND |
14,673 |
52 km |
| 2001 |
ELK MOUNTAIN 2 |
13,758 |
85 km |
| 2001 |
ROGERS SHACK |
11,794 |
75 km |
| 2002 |
GRIZZLY GULCH |
11,487 |
56 km |
| 1987 |
GRASS CK3 |
11,125 |
98 km |
| 2001 |
WEST HELL CANYON |
11,097 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
ALABAUGH |
10,650 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
WHITE DRAW |
9,297 |
91 km |
| 1985 |
SEVEN SISTERS |
8,465 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
FLAGPOLE MOUNTAIN |
7,703 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Rapid Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Rapid Valley. 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 | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $591 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $443 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rapid Valley
What is the population of Rapid Valley?
Rapid Valley has a population of 7,153 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,116 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.5% female and 55.5% male.
Is Rapid Valley expensive to live in?
Rapid Valley 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 $85,217, 13% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $226,300 (20% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,263 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Rapid Valley?
Rapid Valley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 17.4 inches, with 48.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Rapid Valley?
Rapid Valley has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $965. There are 1,630 business establishments in the area, including 155 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rapid Valley?
The median home value in Rapid Valley is $226,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $359,031. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $280,000, with homes typically selling within 100 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,263. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 95.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,013.
How are the schools in Rapid Valley?
Schools in Rapid Valley score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Rapid Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. 7.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rapid Valley?
The obesity rate in Rapid Valley is 33.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 92.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,047.
What is transportation like in Rapid Valley?
The average commute in Rapid Valley is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rapid Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rapid Valley is 78.4% White, 1% Black or African American, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Asian. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 12.4% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.