Median Income
$53,594
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$90,000
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
855/100K
125% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.8%
9% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Reliance Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population196
Median Age25.8 yrs
Density180/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans78.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$53,594
Per Capita$29,059
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$194M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$90,000
Ownership90.9%
Zillow$240,737
Housing Units47
Rent Burden18.6%
Crime
F
Violent855/100K
Property4,599/100K
Health
Obesity35.1%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking14.6%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.8 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,772 ft (540 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.8%
High School+98.2%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score4.79
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute18 min
Broadband55.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Reliance a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Reliance receives an overall livability score of 3.5 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, below-average incomes. Reliance offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Reliance is $53,594, 29% 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 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Reliance is $90,000, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.7x 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
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Reliance experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.8 inches, including 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Reliance has a population of 196 with a density of 180 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 25.8 years, 34% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (76%), with 24% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 78.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.8yrs
Median Age
34% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Reliance is $53,594, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,059 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $725, 49% 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 143 business establishments, including 17 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). 3.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,594 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,059 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $725 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,279 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 143 |
| County GDP | $194M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.7% |
| Public Transit | 2.5% |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
The median home value in Reliance is $90,000, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,737, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 47 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. 18.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $90,000 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $240,737 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.1% |
| Housing Units | 47 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
In Reliance, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 20.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.0% report depression. 15.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. 25.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Reliance vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 29.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:1,852 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 71.0% |
| Premature Death | 20,854/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 25.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Reliance 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, Reliance receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Reliance 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 |
Reliance experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 76°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 20.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,772 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-6°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,772 ft (540 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 180/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8804°N, 99.6012°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lyman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.8"
45% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.07"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 28.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
18 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 |
136 km |
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
117 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
91 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
80 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
71 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
53 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
110 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
16 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 |
77 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
97 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
277 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 41 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1973 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2002 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1993 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
15 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: POWER DAM ROAD (15,047 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
POWER DAM ROAD |
15,047 |
100 km |
| 2011 |
OKREEK |
11,115 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
THOMPSON COMPLEX |
3,230 |
54 km |
| 2000 |
CLOVER |
3,062 |
38 km |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
37 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
NOVOTNY AND WAGNER |
1,968 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
FT PIERRE COMPLEX |
1,812 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
HIGHWAY 47 |
1,800 |
17 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
29 km |
| 2001 |
VAN METRE |
1,336 |
94 km |
| 2014 |
OKREEK |
1,273 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
BAD HORSE |
1,215 |
26 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
94 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Reliance has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 20°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Reliance. 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 Reliance
What is the population of Reliance?
Reliance has a population of 196 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 180 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Reliance expensive to live in?
Reliance 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 $53,594, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $90,000 (68% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Reliance safe?
Public safety is a concern in Reliance, 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, Reliance receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Reliance?
Reliance has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.8 inches, with 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Reliance?
The job market in Reliance is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $725. There are 143 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 3.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Reliance?
The median home value in Reliance is $90,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,737. The homeownership rate is 90.9%.
How are the schools in Reliance?
Schools in Reliance have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 36.8% of adults in Reliance hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.2% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Reliance?
The obesity rate in Reliance is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 20.6% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 25.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Reliance?
The average commute in Reliance is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.7% of workers drive alone to work, 2.5% use public transit, and 3.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Reliance?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Reliance is 76% White, 24% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 78.0% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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