Median Income
$41,750
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$46,300
84% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.1%
70% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$413
64% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.1%
44% higher than US avg
Unemployment
14.0%
289% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
39.6%
219% higher than US avg
How Santee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population235
Median Age20.8 yrs
Density420/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 3%
Veterans2.4%
Economy
F
Median Income$41,750
Per Capita$14,241
Unemployment14.0%
Poverty39.6%
County GDP$284M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$46,300
Rent$413
Ownership28.4%
Zillow$174,912
Housing Units103
Rent Burden12.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property248/100K
Health
Obesity46.1%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking24.1%
Depression17.4%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain26.2 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,248 ft (380 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.1%
High School+81.8%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score5.81
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute12 min
Broadband67.0%
Libraries4
Is Santee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Santee receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Santee has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Santee is $41,750, 44% below the national average of $75,149. At 14.0%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 39.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Santee is $46,300, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $413 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Santee 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 248 per 100,000, 87% below the national average.
Education
10.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Santee 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 32.
Santee has a population of 235 with a density of 420 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 20.8 years, 47% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (91.9%), with 3% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.1% of residents, while 6.9% speak Spanish. 2.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 78.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
20.8yrs
Median Age
47% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.1%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.9%
49% below US avg
The median household income in Santee is $41,750, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $14,241 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $892, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 14.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 39.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 239 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,750 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $14,241 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $892 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,764 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 14.0% |
| 289% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 39.6% |
| 219% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 239 |
| County GDP | $284M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 33 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,600 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.5% |
| Public Transit | 1.4% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Santee is $46,300, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,912, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $413 (64% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 28.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 103 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $3,600. 12.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $46,300 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $174,912 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $413 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 28.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 28.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 71.6% |
| Housing Units | 103 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,600 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.78% |
In Santee, 46.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 34.6% have high blood pressure. 24.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.1% report binge drinking. 32.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 17.4% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,753. The dentist ratio is 1:2,354. 68.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Santee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.6% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.1% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.7% |
| Depression | 17.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 39.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,753 |
| Dentists | 1:2,354 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 52.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,595/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Santee has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 248 per 100,000, 87% below the U.S. average. Overall, Santee receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Santee vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 247.9/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Santee 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 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,248 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 | 1,248 ft (380 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 420/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8387°N, 97.8495°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bon Homme County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.2"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very 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
14 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 |
86 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
74 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
118 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
44 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 |
74 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
23 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
130 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
135 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
100 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
96 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
121 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
112 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
7 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
549 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 188 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1965 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1963 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KAYLKOWSKI (1,966 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
54 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
6 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
100 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) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Santee has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Santee. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
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 Santee
What is the population of Santee?
Santee has a population of 235 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 420 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Santee expensive to live in?
Santee is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $41,750, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $46,300 (84% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $413 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Santee safe?
Santee 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 248 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Santee receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Santee?
Santee 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 32.
How is the job market in Santee?
The job market in Santee faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $892. There are 239 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Santee?
The median home value in Santee is $46,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,912. For renters, the median monthly rent is $413. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 28.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,600.
How are the schools in Santee?
Schools in Santee score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.1% of adults in Santee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.8% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Santee?
The obesity rate in Santee is 46.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.1% of adults are smokers. 32.7% are physically inactive. 17.4% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 68.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,753.
What is transportation like in Santee?
The average commute in Santee is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.5% of workers drive alone to work, 1.4% use public transit, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Santee?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Santee is 3% White, 91.9% Hispanic or Latino. 93.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.9% speak Spanish. 2.4% of the population are military veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability. 78.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
