Violent Crime
429/100K
13% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.3%
72% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
52.5%
64% higher than US avg
Unemployment
15.0%
317% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
69.2%
458% higher than US avg
How Soldier Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population271
Median Age18.5 yrs
Density22/mi²
Male / Female37% / 63%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$12,069
Unemployment15.0%
Poverty69.2%
County GDP$313M
Housing
Ownership88.5%
Zillow$201,493
Housing Units58
Rent Burden21.3%
Crime
F
Violent429/100K
Property572/100K
Health
Obesity52.5%
Uninsured19.5%
Smoking42.9%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease12.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation2,391 ft (729 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.3%
High School+80.6%
Graduate+6.6%
School Score1.75
Community
2024 VoteR 23% / D 74%
Broadband61.0%
Libraries1
Is Soldier Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Soldier Creek receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Soldier Creek faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 15.0%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 69.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 429 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 572 per 100,000, 71% below the national average.
Education
9.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. School test scores average 1.8/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Soldier Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°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 20.9 inches, including 41.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Soldier Creek has a population of 271 with a density of 22 people per square mile, spread across 12.2 square miles. The median age is 18.5 years, 52% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 63.1% female and 36.9% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 64.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
18.5yrs
Median Age
52% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Soldier Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Soldier Creek vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $12,069 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $949, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 15.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 69.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 108 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 100.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Soldier Creek vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $12,069 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $949 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $39,367 |
| Gini Index | 0.504 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 15.0% |
| 317% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 69.2% |
| 458% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 108 |
| County GDP | $313M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 7 |
| Retail | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 100.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,493. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 58 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. 21.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 88.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.5% |
| Housing Units | 58 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
In Soldier Creek, 52.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 25.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 12.7% of residents, above the national average. 43.9% have high blood pressure. 42.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.9% report binge drinking. 45.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.2% experience frequent mental distress. 19.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,643. The dentist ratio is 1:3,073. 32.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Soldier Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 52.5% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 25.8% |
| Heart Disease | 12.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.9% |
| Asthma | 15.9% |
| COPD | 16.0% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 8.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 42.9% |
| 206% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 45.5% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 25.2% |
| Physical Distress | 25.0% |
| Short Sleep | 42.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 64.7% |
| Uninsured | 19.5% |
| 127% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,643 |
| Dentists | 1:3,073 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,022 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 35.0% |
| Premature Death | 34,850/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
Soldier Creek has a violent crime rate of 429 per 100,000 residents, 13% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 572 per 100,000, 71% below the U.S. average. Overall, Soldier Creek receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Soldier Creek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 429.2/100K |
| 13% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 572.3/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Soldier Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°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 20.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.5 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 2,391 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,391 ft (729 m) |
| Area | 12.2 sq mi (31.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 22/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3326°N, 100.8968°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Todd County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ainsworth Regional (ANW)
69 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.9"
45% 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 | 36.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 97.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
20 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
130 km |
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
78 km |
| Aug 26, 1991 |
15 km SSE of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
100 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
74 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
75 km |
| Apr 11, 2016 |
11 km E of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
30 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
72 km |
| Jan 1, 2025 |
4 km S of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| Apr 4, 2024 |
19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
108 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
101 km |
| Jul 7, 2024 |
11 km NNW of Merriman, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
77 km |
| Jun 16, 2021 |
15 km N of Quinn, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Aug 6, 2012 |
21 km WNW of Mullen, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
142 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
211 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 19 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 6, 1963 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 2003 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1993 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1982 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1979 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1977 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1974 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1973 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1972 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1971 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: REGION 24 COMPLEX (66,349 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
REGION 24 COMPLEX |
66,349 |
88 km |
| 2000 |
POWDER HORN |
48,608 |
78 km |
| 2012 |
LONGHORN COMPLEX |
41,443 |
23 km |
| 1985 |
YELLOWBEAR |
19,212 |
100 km |
| 1988 |
LIGHTNING |
18,426 |
16 km |
| 2000 |
VAL COMP |
15,513 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
POWER DAM ROAD |
15,047 |
39 km |
| 2012 |
CROOKSTON |
14,962 |
38 km |
| 2000 |
HASNOHORSE |
13,420 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
OKREEK |
11,115 |
56 km |
| 1987 |
BIG FIRE |
9,107 |
5 km |
| 2021 |
DRY CREEK CA |
8,123 |
67 km |
| 2023 |
MCCANN |
7,110 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
HACKBERRY SOUTH RX |
6,463 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,014 |
81 km |
| 2017 |
WANBLEE TIMBER |
4,982 |
60 km |
| 2003 |
PAPA |
4,746 |
88 km |
| 1998 |
TNC |
4,683 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
YELLOWROBE |
4,679 |
10 km |
| 2012 |
TOWER |
4,599 |
30 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Soldier Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 23°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Soldier Creek. 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 Soldier Creek
What is the population of Soldier Creek?
Soldier Creek has a population of 271 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 22 people per square mile, spread across 12.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 18.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 63.1% female and 36.9% male.
Is Soldier Creek expensive to live in?
Soldier Creek is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Soldier Creek safe?
The violent crime rate in Soldier Creek is 429 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 572 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Soldier Creek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Soldier Creek?
Soldier Creek has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°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 20.9 inches, with 41.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Soldier Creek?
The job market in Soldier Creek faces challenges, with unemployment at 15.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $949. There are 108 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Soldier Creek?
Schools in Soldier Creek have an average test score of 1.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 9.3% of adults in Soldier Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. 6.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Soldier Creek?
The obesity rate in Soldier Creek is 52.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 42.9% of adults are smokers. 45.5% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 19.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 32.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,643.
What are the demographics of Soldier Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Soldier Creek is 100% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.1% of residents have a disability. 64.7% have health insurance coverage.
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