Median Income
$52,188
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$91,500
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
142/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.3%
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.3%
75% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sinai Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population220
Median Age24.9 yrs
Density595/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans2.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$52,188
Per Capita$24,065
Unemployment6.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$934M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$91,500
Ownership67.1%
Zillow$323,488
Housing Units69
Rent Burden24.8%
Crime
F
Violent142/100K
Property1,332/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking11.6%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain26.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,777 ft (542 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.3%
High School+82.4%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score6.16
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute29 min
Broadband76.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Sinai a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sinai receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Sinai offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sinai is $52,188, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sinai is $91,500, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sinai is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,332 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
21.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Sinai has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°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 26.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Sinai has a population of 220 with a density of 595 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 24.9 years, 36% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (91.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.9% of residents, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 2.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 6.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
24.9yrs
Median Age
36% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.9%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.1%
32% below US avg
The median household income in Sinai is $52,188, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,065 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,092, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.3% (above 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 492 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,188 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,065 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,092 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,103 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.3% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 492 |
| County GDP | $934M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,037 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Sinai is $91,500, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,488, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 69 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,037 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.8% 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 | $91,500 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $323,488 |
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 | 67.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.9% |
| Housing Units | 69 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,037 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.60% |
In Sinai, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 26.2% have high blood pressure. 11.6% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 17.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,550. The dentist ratio is 1:2,194. 71.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sinai vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.2% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 8.1% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.6% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.7% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,550 |
| Dentists | 1:2,194 |
| Mental Health | 1:649 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 72.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,000/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Sinai has a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,332 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. Overall, Sinai receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sinai vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 141.7/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,332.0/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sinai has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°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 26.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,777 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,777 ft (542 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 595/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2445°N, 97.0440°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lake County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brookings Regional (BKX)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.2"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 16, 2022.
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
125 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
94 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
530 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 8 fatalities, 298 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
75 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Sinai has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Sinai. 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 | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $591 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $443 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinai
What is the population of Sinai?
Sinai has a population of 220 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 595 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 24.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Sinai expensive to live in?
Sinai 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 $52,188, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $91,500 (68% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sinai safe?
Sinai is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,332 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sinai receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sinai?
Sinai has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°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 26.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Sinai?
The unemployment rate in Sinai is 6.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,092. There are 492 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sinai?
The median home value in Sinai is $91,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,488. The homeownership rate is 67.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,037.
How are the schools in Sinai?
Schools in Sinai score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.3% of adults in Sinai hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sinai?
The obesity rate in Sinai is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.6% of adults are smokers. 17.7% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 71.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,550.
What is transportation like in Sinai?
The average commute in Sinai is 29 minutes. 87.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sinai?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sinai is 91.8% White. 90.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 2.4% of the population are military veterans. 6.9% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
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