Median Income
$40,882
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$104,800
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.6%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$532
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.0%
68% lower than US avg
How Selby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population642
Median Age41.7 yrs
Density904/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$40,882
Per Capita$29,241
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty4.0%
County GDP$319M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$104,800
Rent$532
Ownership76.3%
Zillow$122,187
Housing Units332
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property460/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary153/100K
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking17.6%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain19.2 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation1,895 ft (578 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.6%
High School+76.4%
Graduate+5.6%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute27 min
Broadband82.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Selby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Selby receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Selby offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Selby is $40,882, 46% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Selby is $104,800, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $532 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Selby 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 460 per 100,000, 77% below the national average.
Education
13.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Selby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.2 inches, including 33.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Selby has a population of 642 with a density of 904 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 41.7 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (85.4%), with 10.4% Hispanic, 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.6% of residents, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 9.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.7yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.6%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.4%
60% below US avg
The median household income in Selby is $40,882, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,241 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $899, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 252 business establishments, including 31 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 6.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,882 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,241 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $899 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,903 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.0% |
| 68% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 252 |
| County GDP | $319M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 31 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,575 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.2% |
The median home value in Selby is $104,800, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $122,187, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $532 (54% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 332 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $3,575. 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $104,800 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $122,187 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $532 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.7% |
| Housing Units | 332 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,575 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.41% |
In Selby, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.4% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:875. The dentist ratio is 1:2,633. 69.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Selby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:875 |
| Dentists | 1:2,633 |
| Mental Health | 1:479 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 63.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,035/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Selby 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 460 per 100,000, 77% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 307, burglary at 153, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Selby receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Selby 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 | 460.1/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| Burglary | 153.4/100K |
| Theft | 306.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Selby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 311 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 19.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 33.4 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 1,895 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.7°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,895 ft (578 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 904/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5057°N, 100.0329°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Walworth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
78 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.2"
49% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.19"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 66.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on May 30, 2024.
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
100 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
74 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
253 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 17 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 |
EF3 |
70 km |
2 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1970 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1969 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1966 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1965 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LAPLANTE (14,777 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
LAPLANTE |
14,777 |
58 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,487 |
52 km |
| 2006 |
STONE MAN CHURCH |
10,389 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
TRIBLE |
9,718 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
LUND |
9,425 |
91 km |
| 1999 |
BULLHEAD |
5,606 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
B WARD 1 |
3,325 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
48 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE BEND |
2,789 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
1804 |
2,778 |
23 km |
| 2011 |
MOUND CITY |
2,755 |
31 km |
| 2004 |
FISCHER |
2,578 |
100 km |
| 2023 |
LITTLE BEND RX |
2,574 |
94 km |
| 2012 |
CORNSTALK |
2,561 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR BEAR |
2,179 |
53 km |
| 2000 |
FTMANUEL |
2,124 |
55 km |
| 2024 |
STATELINE |
2,123 |
78 km |
| 2003 |
24 |
2,119 |
79 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,869 |
93 km |
| 2003 |
JOEL BERTSCH 2 |
1,460 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Selby has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Selby. 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 Selby
What is the population of Selby?
Selby has a population of 642 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 904 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Selby expensive to live in?
Selby 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 $40,882, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $104,800 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $532 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Selby safe?
Selby 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 460 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Selby receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Selby?
Selby 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 72°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.2 inches, with 33.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Selby?
Selby has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $899. There are 252 business establishments in the area, including 31 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 6.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Selby?
The median home value in Selby is $104,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $122,187. For renters, the median monthly rent is $532. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,575.
How are the schools in Selby?
Schools in Selby score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.6% of adults in Selby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.4% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Selby?
The obesity rate in Selby is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 69.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:875.
What is transportation like in Selby?
The average commute in Selby is 27 minutes. 75.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Selby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Selby is 85.4% White, 2.3% Black or African American, 10.4% Hispanic or Latino. 94.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 9.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
