Median Income
$148,036
97% higher than US avg
Home Value
$305,900
9% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
10/100K
97% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.2%
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.9%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Rowena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population137
Median Age36.2 yrs
Density442/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans72.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$148,036
Per Capita$44,931
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$22,447M
Housing
A+
Home Value$305,900
Ownership60.4%
Zillow$384,029
Housing Units48
Rent Burden25.6%
Crime
D
Violent10/100K
Property258/100K
Health
Obesity32.9%
Smoking9.9%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain27.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,438 ft (438 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.2%
High School+88.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 42%
Broadband53.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries15
Is Rowena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rowena receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Rowena offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rowena is $148,036, which is significantly higher than the national average / 97% above $75,149. This places Rowena among higher-income communities. 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%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rowena is $305,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rowena is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 10 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 258 per 100,000, 87% below the national average.
Education
29.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Rowena experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches, including 45.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Rowena has a population of 137 with a density of 442 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 36.2 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.2% female and 43.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 72.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.2yrs
Median Age
7% 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 Rowena is $148,036, which is 97% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,931 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,252, 13% 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 9,989 business establishments, including 558 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 42.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $148,036 |
| 97% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,931 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,252 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,803 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,989 |
| County GDP | $22,447M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 558 |
| Healthcare | 581 |
| Retail | 804 |
| Manufacturing | 192 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,828 |
| 95% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 57.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 42.2% |
The median home value in Rowena is $305,900, 9% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $384,029, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 48 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,828 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $305,900 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $384,029 |
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 | 60.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.6% |
| Housing Units | 48 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,828 |
| 95% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.23% |
In Rowena, 32.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 27.1% have high blood pressure. 9.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 22.5% report binge drinking. 16.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.7% report depression. 13.8% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:979. The dentist ratio is 1:1,774. 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rowena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.9% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.1% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 3.8% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.9% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.8% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 13.8% |
| Physical Distress | 8.5% |
| Short Sleep | 26.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:979 |
| Dentists | 1:1,774 |
| Mental Health | 1:396 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 76.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,472/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 581 |
Rowena has a violent crime rate of 10 per 100,000 residents, 97% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 258 per 100,000, 87% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rowena receives a safety grade of D.
Crime Rates: Rowena vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 10.3/100K |
| 97% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 258.3/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | D |
| Safety Score | 1.7 / 5.0 |
Rowena experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 74°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 27.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 45.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,438 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 47.4°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,438 ft (438 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 442/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5191°N, 96.5562°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Minnehaha County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD) 10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.9"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0443 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 8.4 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.16 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.24 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 89.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
141 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
642 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 433 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
53 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
97 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
94 km |
6 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Rowena has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 18°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Rowena. 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 | $772 |
| Toddler | $772 |
| Preschool | $724 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $518 |
| Toddler | $518 |
| Preschool | $499 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rowena
What is the population of Rowena?
Rowena has a population of 137 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 442 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.2% female and 43.8% male.
Is Rowena expensive to live in?
Rowena 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 $148,036, 97% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $305,900 (9% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rowena safe?
Rowena is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 10 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 258 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rowena receives a safety grade of D based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rowena?
Rowena has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.9 inches, with 45.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Rowena?
The job market in Rowena is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,252. There are 9,989 business establishments in the area, including 558 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Rowena?
The median home value in Rowena is $305,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $384,029. The homeownership rate is 60.4%. The average annual property tax is $6,828.
How are the schools in Rowena?
Schools in Rowena score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.2% of adults in Rowena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rowena?
The obesity rate in Rowena is 32.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 9.9% of adults are smokers. 16.8% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:979.
What are the demographics of Rowena?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rowena is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 72.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.