Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.3%
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
19.0%
428% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Rockham Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population27
Median Age42.8 yrs
Density54/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans21.0%
Economy
Per Capita$25,715
Unemployment19.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$549M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$157,240
Housing Units24
Rent Burden18.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property550/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Smoking18.9%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain22.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,399 ft (426 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.49
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 29%
Broadband6.0%
Libraries2
Is Rockham a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rockham receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Rockham has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
At 19.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Rockham 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 550 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
14.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Rockham has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Rockham has a population of 27 with a density of 54 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 42.8 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.4% female and 55.6% male. The city is predominantly White (92.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 21.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 88.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.8yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $25,715 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $983, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 19.0% (above 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 272 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $25,715 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $983 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,400 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 19.0% |
| 428% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 272 |
| County GDP | $549M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,333 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 40.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,240. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 24 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,333 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 18.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 24 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,333 |
| 33% below US avg |
In Rockham, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.2% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090. The dentist ratio is 1:1,247. 41.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rockham vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.5% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,090 |
| Dentists | 1:1,247 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,541 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,813/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Rockham has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 550 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. Overall, Rockham receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Rockham vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 550.2/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Rockham has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 276 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 22.8 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 1,399 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,399 ft (426 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 54/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9043°N, 98.8234°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Spink County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.8"
40% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.15"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.7 / 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
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on May 30, 2024.
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
127 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
139 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
77 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
90 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
114 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
361 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 55 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
25 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HOLIDAY (2,936 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
87 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Rockham has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 13°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Rockham. 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 Rockham
What is the population of Rockham?
Rockham has a population of 27 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 54 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.4% female and 55.6% male.
Is Rockham expensive to live in?
Rockham is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Rockham safe?
Rockham 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 550 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rockham receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rockham?
Rockham has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Rockham?
The job market in Rockham faces challenges, with unemployment at 19.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $983. There are 272 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Rockham?
Schools in Rockham score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.3% of adults in Rockham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rockham?
The obesity rate in Rockham is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 41.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090.
What are the demographics of Rockham?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rockham is 92.6% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 21.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 88.5% have health insurance coverage.
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