Median Income
$61,406
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$110,000
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.0%
14% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$573
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.8%
13% lower than US avg
How Scotland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population800
Median Age42.8 yrs
Density889/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$61,406
Per Capita$33,064
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty10.8%
County GDP$555M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,000
Rent$573
Ownership82.2%
Zillow$213,456
Housing Units398
Rent Burden14.8%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking15.9%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.0 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,347 ft (411 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.0%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute17 min
Broadband84.8%
Libraries4
Is Scotland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Scotland receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Scotland stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Scotland is $61,406, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 10.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Scotland is $110,000, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $573 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Scotland 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
29.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Scotland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°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 25.0 inches, including 39.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Scotland has a population of 800 with a density of 889 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 42.8 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56% female and 44% male. The city is predominantly White (98.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94% of residents, while 6% speak Spanish. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.8yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.0%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.0%
55% below US avg
The median household income in Scotland is $61,406, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,064 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $931, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 306 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,406 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,064 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $931 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,127 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.8% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 306 |
| County GDP | $555M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,914 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.9% |
The median home value in Scotland is $110,000, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $213,456, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $573 (51% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 398 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $2,914 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 14.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,000 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $213,456 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $573 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.8% |
| Housing Units | 398 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,914 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.65% |
In Scotland, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:823. The dentist ratio is 1:3,684. 44.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Scotland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 31.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:823 |
| Dentists | 1:3,684 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,465 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,740/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Scotland has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Scotland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Scotland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°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 25.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.2 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 1,347 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,347 ft (411 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 889/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1482°N, 97.7198°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hutchinson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.0"
34% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 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 |
105 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
84 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
94 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
72 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
17 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
120 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
130 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
122 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
88 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
41 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
583 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 354 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
67 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
40 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1965 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1963 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
34 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 |
75 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
42 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Scotland has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Scotland. 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 Scotland
What is the population of Scotland?
Scotland has a population of 800 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 889 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56% female and 44% male.
Is Scotland expensive to live in?
Scotland 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 $61,406, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,000 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $573 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Scotland safe?
Scotland 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 Scotland?
Scotland has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°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 25.0 inches, with 39.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Scotland?
The job market in Scotland is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $931. There are 306 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 0.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Scotland?
The median home value in Scotland is $110,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $213,456. For renters, the median monthly rent is $573. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,914.
How are the schools in Scotland?
Schools in Scotland score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.0% of adults in Scotland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Scotland?
The obesity rate in Scotland is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 44.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:823.
What is transportation like in Scotland?
The average commute in Scotland is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Scotland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Scotland is 98.8% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 94% of residents speak only English at home, while 6% speak Spanish. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
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