Median Income
$39,205
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$107,200
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
146/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.8%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$750
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.7%
51% higher than US avg
How Rushmore Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population351
Median Age32.9 yrs
Density1,404/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans3.6%
Economy
C+
Median Income$39,205
Per Capita$23,778
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty18.7%
County GDP$1,897M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,200
Rent$750
Ownership81.1%
Zillow$240,607
Housing Units152
Rent Burden45.7%
Crime
F
Violent146/100K
Property1,548/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured11.5%
Smoking17.8%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,663 ft (507 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.8%
High School+76.5%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score5.12
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute24 min
Broadband89.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Rushmore a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rushmore receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Rushmore has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rushmore is $39,205, 48% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 18.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rushmore is $107,200, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rushmore is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,548 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
8.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Rushmore has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.5 inches, including 45.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Rushmore has a population of 351 with a density of 1,404 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 32.9 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly White (74.4%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.1% of residents, while 19.9% speak Spanish. 3.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.9yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.1%
2% above US avg
Spanish
19.9%
49% above US avg
The median household income in Rushmore is $39,205, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,778 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,065, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 638 business establishments, including 42 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,205 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,778 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,065 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,633 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.7% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 638 |
| County GDP | $1,897M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 42 |
| Healthcare | 72 |
| Retail | 93 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,427 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Rushmore is $107,200, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,607, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $750 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 152 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $3,427. 45.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $107,200 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $240,607 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $750 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 45.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.9% |
| Housing Units | 152 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,427 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.20% |
In Rushmore, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.9% report binge drinking. 28.4% are physically inactive. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 11.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,571. The dentist ratio is 1:1,372. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rushmore vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.4% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 29.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.5% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,571 |
| Dentists | 1:1,372 |
| Mental Health | 1:701 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.6% |
| Dental Visits | 64.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,329/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
Rushmore has a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,548 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rushmore receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rushmore vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 146.3/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,548.1/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 160 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rushmore has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.5 inches. The area receives 45.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,663 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,663 ft (507 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,404/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6197°N, 95.7990°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Nobles County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.5"
20% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
576 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 317 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
27 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
61 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Rushmore has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Rushmore. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rushmore
What is the population of Rushmore?
Rushmore has a population of 351 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,404 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47% female and 53% male.
Is Rushmore expensive to live in?
Rushmore has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $39,205, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,200 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rushmore safe?
Rushmore is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,548 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rushmore receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rushmore?
Rushmore has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.5 inches, with 45.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Rushmore?
Rushmore has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,065. There are 638 business establishments in the area, including 42 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rushmore?
The median home value in Rushmore is $107,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,607. For renters, the median monthly rent is $750. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,427.
How are the schools in Rushmore?
Schools in Rushmore score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.8% of adults in Rushmore hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.5% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rushmore?
The obesity rate in Rushmore is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 28.4% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 11.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,571.
What is transportation like in Rushmore?
The average commute in Rushmore is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rushmore?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rushmore is 74.4% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 80.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.9% speak Spanish. 3.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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