Home Value
$9,999
96% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.3%
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Running Water Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population80
Median Age76.0 yrs
Density38/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans80.0%
Economy
Per Capita$26,520
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$874M
Commute16 min
Housing
Home Value$9,999
Ownership90.6%
Zillow$197,284
Housing Units53
Rent Burden19.1%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Smoking22.2%
Depression18.0%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain26.2 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,418 ft (432 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute16 min
Broadband53.0%
Libraries6
Is Running Water a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Running Water receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Running Water offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
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 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Running Water is $9,999, 96% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Running Water 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
31.3% 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 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Running Water experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°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 26.2 inches, including 36.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Running Water has a population of 80 with a density of 38 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 76.0 years, 95% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (97.5%), with 2.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 80.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
76.0yrs
Median Age
95% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Running Water vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Running Water vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $26,520 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $826, 42% 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 328 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Running Water vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $26,520 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $826 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,409 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 328 |
| County GDP | $874M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,400 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 24.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Running Water is $9,999, 96% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,284, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 53 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $2,400 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $9,999 |
| 96% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $197,284 |
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 | 90.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.4% |
| Housing Units | 53 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,400 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 24.00% |
In Running Water, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 35.7% have high blood pressure. 22.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.3% report binge drinking. 27.8% are physically inactive. 18.0% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,100. The dentist ratio is 1:1,042. 48.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Running Water vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.7% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.2% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.8% |
| Depression | 18.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.1% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,100 |
| Dentists | 1:1,042 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,383 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.8% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,014/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Running Water has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Running Water vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Running Water experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 19°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 26.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.6 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 1,418 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 47.3°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,418 ft (432 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 38/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7822°N, 97.9817°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Knox County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.2"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 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 |
75 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
66 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
119 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
47 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
65 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
31 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
123 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
88 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
91 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
114 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
115 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
14 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
517 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 159 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1965 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1963 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,911 ac, 1995).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
43 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
9 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Running Water has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Running Water. 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 | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Running Water
What is the population of Running Water?
Running Water has a population of 80 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 38 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 76.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Running Water expensive to live in?
Running Water is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $9,999 (96% below the U.S. median).
Is Running Water safe?
Running Water 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Running Water?
Running Water has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°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 26.2 inches, with 36.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Running Water?
The job market in Running Water is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $826. There are 328 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Running Water?
The median home value in Running Water is $9,999. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,284. The homeownership rate is 90.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,400.
How are the schools in Running Water?
Schools in Running Water score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.3% of adults in Running Water 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 Running Water?
The obesity rate in Running Water is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.2% of adults are smokers. 27.8% are physically inactive. 18.0% of residents report depression. 48.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,100.
What is transportation like in Running Water?
The average commute in Running Water is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Running Water?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Running Water is 97.5% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 80.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
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