Median Income
$40,750
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$28,500
90% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Seneca Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population26
Median Age62.8 yrs
Density62/mi²
Male / Female69% / 31%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans26.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$40,750
Per Capita$23,423
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$169M
Housing
A+
Home Value$28,500
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$150,184
Housing Units31
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity35.2%
Smoking17.9%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,904 ft (580 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+84.6%
Graduate+9.5%
School Score6.44
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 16%
Broadband17.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Seneca a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Seneca receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Seneca stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Seneca is $40,750, 46% below the national average of $75,149. 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%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Seneca is $28,500, 90% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Seneca 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
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Seneca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.2 inches, including 38.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Seneca has a population of 26 with a density of 62 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 62.8 years, 61% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 30.8% female and 69.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 59.5% of residents, while 40.5% speak Spanish. 26.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.8yrs
Median Age
61% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
59.5%
24% below US avg
Spanish
40.5%
202% above US avg
The median household income in Seneca is $40,750, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,423 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $818, 43% 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 126 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,750 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,423 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $818 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,770 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 126 |
| County GDP | $169M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 90.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Seneca is $28,500, 90% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $150,184, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 31 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $28,500 |
| 90% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $150,184 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 31 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Seneca, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.7% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,137. 44.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Seneca vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,137 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.8% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,579/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Seneca 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.
Crime Rates: Seneca 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
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Seneca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 276 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 20.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 38.7 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 1,904 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.3°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,904 ft (580 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 62/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.0608°N, 99.5092°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Faulk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.2"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.27"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 90.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 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 |
92 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
106 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
43 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
291 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 26 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1992 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LAPLANTE (14,777 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
LAPLANTE |
14,777 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
THOMPSON COMPLEX |
3,230 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
31 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE BEND |
2,789 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
1804 |
2,778 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
MOUND CITY |
2,755 |
94 km |
| 2023 |
LITTLE BEND RX |
2,574 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR BEAR |
2,179 |
68 km |
| 2003 |
JOEL BERTSCH 2 |
1,460 |
95 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,438 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
ALLEN STUECKLE |
1,330 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
39 km |
| 2021 |
FUZZY |
1,075 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Seneca has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Seneca. 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 Seneca
What is the population of Seneca?
Seneca has a population of 26 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 62 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 30.8% female and 69.2% male.
Is Seneca expensive to live in?
Seneca 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 $40,750, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $28,500 (90% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Seneca safe?
Seneca 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 Seneca?
Seneca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.2 inches, with 38.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Seneca?
The job market in Seneca is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $818. There are 126 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Seneca?
The median home value in Seneca is $28,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $150,184. The homeownership rate is 100.0%.
How are the schools in Seneca?
Schools in Seneca score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Seneca hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.6% have completed high school. 9.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Seneca?
The obesity rate in Seneca is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 44.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,137.
What are the demographics of Seneca?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Seneca is 100% White. 59.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 40.5% speak Spanish. 26.0% of the population are military veterans. 31.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
