Median Income
$90,750
21% higher than US avg
Home Value
$207,600
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.5%
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.6%
95% lower than US avg
How Rapids City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,012
Median Age46.3 yrs
Density621/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Economy
A+
Median Income$90,750
Per Capita$41,399
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty0.6%
County GDP$12,607M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$207,600
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$237,890
Health
Obesity37.9%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Elevation681 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.5%
High School+91.5%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Commute20 min
Libraries11
Is Rapids City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rapids City receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Rapids City stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rapids City is $90,750, 21% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rapids City is $207,600, 26% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Rapids City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Rapids City has a population of 1,012 with a density of 621 people per square mile. The median age is 46.3 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (93.8%).
Population
46.3yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rapids City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.9% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.1% |
| 92% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Rapids City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rapids City is $90,750, which is 21% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Income: Rapids City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,750 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,399 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,391 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,635 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.6% |
| 95% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,880 |
| County GDP | $12,607M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 375 |
| Healthcare | 405 |
| Retail | 411 |
| Manufacturing | 124 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,655 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Work from Home | 9.0% |
The median home value in Rapids City is $207,600, 26% below the national average. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,890.
Home Values
| Census Median | $207,600 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $237,890 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $79 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 85.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,655 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.21% |
In Rapids City, 37.9% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 23.1% report depression. 21.4% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Rapids City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,429/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 405 |
Crime Rates: Rapids City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
Safety Score
Rapids City has an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation is 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.6°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 37.1 inches |
| 2% below US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 681 ft (208 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 621/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5786°N, 90.3398°W |
| County FIPS | 17161 |