Median Income
$44,375
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,100
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
449/100K
18% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.2%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$558
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How Roslyn Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population174
Median Age59.3 yrs
Density791/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$44,375
Per Capita$24,068
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$381M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,100
Rent$558
Ownership70.8%
Zillow$401,127
Housing Units95
Rent Burden31.9%
Crime
F
Violent449/100K
Property1,142/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking17.4%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain22.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,867 ft (569 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.2%
High School+71.3%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score5.61
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute32 min
Broadband65.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Roslyn a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Roslyn receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 below-average incomes. Roslyn offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Roslyn is $44,375, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Roslyn is $77,100, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $558 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 449 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,142 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
16.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Roslyn 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 22.5 inches, including 35.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Roslyn has a population of 174 with a density of 791 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 59.3 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54% female and 46% male. The city is predominantly White (77%), with 21.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.3yrs
Median Age
52% above 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 Roslyn is $44,375, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,068 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $863, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 268 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 14.8% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,375 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,068 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $863 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,519 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 268 |
| County GDP | $381M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,400 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 55.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.8% |
The median home value in Roslyn is $77,100, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $401,127, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $558 (52% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 95 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $5,400 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.9% 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 | $77,100 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $401,127 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $558 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.2% |
| Housing Units | 95 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,400 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.00% |
In Roslyn, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.3% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,707. The dentist ratio is 1:5,479. 45.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Roslyn vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,707 |
| Dentists | 1:5,479 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 65.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,776/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Roslyn has a violent crime rate of 449 per 100,000 residents, 18% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,142 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. Overall, Roslyn receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Roslyn vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 448.8/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,142.4/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Roslyn 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 22.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 35.6 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 1,867 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.1°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,867 ft (569 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 791/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4966°N, 97.4927°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Day County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY) 43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.5"
41% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 26, 2002.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
95 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
59 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
405 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 55 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
100 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
51 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
36 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
80 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
77 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
97 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
17 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
93 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Roslyn has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 13°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Roslyn. 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 Roslyn
What is the population of Roslyn?
Roslyn has a population of 174 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 791 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54% female and 46% male.
Is Roslyn expensive to live in?
Roslyn 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 $44,375, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,100 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $558 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Roslyn safe?
The violent crime rate in Roslyn is 449 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,142 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Roslyn receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Roslyn?
Roslyn 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 22.5 inches, with 35.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Roslyn?
The job market in Roslyn is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $863. There are 268 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 14.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Roslyn?
The median home value in Roslyn is $77,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $401,127. For renters, the median monthly rent is $558. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,400.
How are the schools in Roslyn?
Schools in Roslyn score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.2% of adults in Roslyn hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.3% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Roslyn?
The obesity rate in Roslyn is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 45.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,707.
What is transportation like in Roslyn?
The average commute in Roslyn is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 55.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Roslyn?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Roslyn is 77% White, 21.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.