Median Income
$44,477
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,900
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
124/100K
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.8%
38% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$600
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.0%
43% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.6%
50% higher than US avg
How Sisseton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,593
Median Age35.1 yrs
Density1,631/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 45%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$44,477
Per Capita$25,204
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty18.6%
County GDP$454M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,900
Rent$600
Ownership49.8%
Zillow$204,001
Housing Units1,069
Rent Burden24.1%
Crime
F
Violent124/100K
Property660/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault83/100K
Burglary83/100K
Health
Obesity46.0%
Uninsured12.6%
Smoking24.6%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.4 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,234 ft (376 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.8%
High School+88.4%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute11 min
Broadband81.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Sisseton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sisseton receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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 an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Sisseton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sisseton is $44,477, 41% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 18.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sisseton is $111,900, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $600 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sisseton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 124 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 660 per 100,000, 66% below the national average.
Education
20.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Sisseton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°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 25.4 inches, including 48.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Sisseton has a population of 2,593 with a density of 1,631 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 35.1 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (53.6%), with 44.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 74.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.1yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.6%
73% below US avg
The median household income in Sisseton is $44,477, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,204 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,060, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 212 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,477 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,204 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,060 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,004 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.6% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 212 |
| County GDP | $454M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,450 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.8% |
| Public Transit | 2.4% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Sisseton is $111,900, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,001, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $600 (48% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 49.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,069 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $5,450 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,900 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $204,001 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $600 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 49.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 49.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,069 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,450 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.87% |
In Sisseton, 46.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 34.8% have high blood pressure. 24.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.1% report binge drinking. 33.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.3% report depression. 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 12.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,304. The dentist ratio is 1:4,374. 36.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sisseton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.8% |
| Asthma | 12.8% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.6% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.1% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 74.2% |
| Uninsured | 12.6% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,304 |
| Dentists | 1:4,374 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 53.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,654/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Sisseton has a violent crime rate of 124 per 100,000 residents, 67% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 82.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 41.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 660 per 100,000, 66% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 413, burglary at 83, vehicle theft at 165 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Sisseton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sisseton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 123.8/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 41.3/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 82.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 660.3/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| Burglary | 82.5/100K |
| Theft | 412.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 165.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sisseton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°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 25.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,234 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,234 ft (376 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,631/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.6625°N, 97.0453°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marshall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.4"
33% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.23"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.1 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| 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: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
59 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
20 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
391 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 79 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
86 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
84 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
99 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
76 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
26 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
72 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
76 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
71 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
51 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
71 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
51 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
48 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
74 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
34 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Sisseton has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Sisseton. 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 Sisseton
What is the population of Sisseton?
Sisseton has a population of 2,593 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,631 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Sisseton expensive to live in?
Sisseton 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 $44,477, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,900 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $600 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sisseton safe?
Sisseton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 124 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 660 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sisseton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sisseton?
Sisseton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°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 25.4 inches, with 48.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Sisseton?
Sisseton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,060. There are 212 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 4.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sisseton?
The median home value in Sisseton is $111,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,001. For renters, the median monthly rent is $600. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 49.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,450.
How are the schools in Sisseton?
Schools in Sisseton score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.8% of adults in Sisseton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sisseton?
The obesity rate in Sisseton is 46.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.6% of adults are smokers. 33.1% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 12.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 36.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,304.
What is transportation like in Sisseton?
The average commute in Sisseton is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.8% of workers drive alone to work, 2.4% use public transit, and 4.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sisseton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sisseton is 44.7% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 53.6% Hispanic or Latino. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 10.3% of residents have a disability. 74.2% have health insurance coverage.
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