Median Income
$45,417
40% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.1%
13% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$572
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
52.4%
63% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.1%
153% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
33.3%
169% higher than US avg
How St. Francis Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population631
Median Age25.8 yrs
Density1,753/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 1%
Veterans2.8%
Economy
D
Median Income$45,417
Per Capita$16,744
Unemployment9.1%
Poverty33.3%
County GDP$313M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Rent$572
Ownership35.0%
Zillow$201,493
Housing Units198
Rent Burden10.0%
Health
Obesity52.4%
Uninsured23.3%
Smoking42.9%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease12.1%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
Rain22.6 in/yr
Elevation3,001 ft (915 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.1%
High School+86.5%
Graduate+20.0%
School Score1.75
Community
2024 VoteR 23% / D 74%
Commute14 min
Broadband84.2%
Libraries1
Is St. Francis a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, St. Francis receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. St. Francis offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in St. Francis is $45,417, 40% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 33.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $572 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 86.5% have completed high school. School test scores average 1.8/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
St. Francis experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 22.6 inches, including 38.2 inches of snow.
St. Francis has a population of 631 with a density of 1,753 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 25.8 years, 34% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly Asian (28.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 62.1% of residents, while 31.5% speak Spanish. 2.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 76.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
631
Total Population
2023 Census
25.8yrs
Median Age
34% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
St. Francis vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
62.1%
21% below US avg
Spanish
31.5%
135% above US avg
Social Characteristics
St. Francis vs U.S. Average
The median household income in St. Francis is $45,417, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,744 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $949, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 33.3% 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. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: St. Francis vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,417 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,744 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $949 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $39,367 |
| Gini Index | 0.504 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.1% |
| 153% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 33.3% |
| 169% 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
| Commute Time | 13.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 58.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,493. Monthly rent averages $572 (51% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 35.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 198 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. 10.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $572 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 10.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 35.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 35.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 65.0% |
| Housing Units | 198 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
In St. Francis, 52.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 25.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 12.1% 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. 46.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.2% experience frequent mental distress. 23.3% 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: St. Francis vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 52.4% |
| 63% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 25.9% |
| Heart Disease | 12.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.9% |
| Asthma | 15.9% |
| COPD | 16.4% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 8.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 42.9% |
| 206% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 46.3% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 25.2% |
| Physical Distress | 25.3% |
| Short Sleep | 42.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.7% |
| Uninsured | 23.3% |
| 171% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,643 |
| Dentists | 1:3,073 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,022 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 37.8% |
| Premature Death | 34,850/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
St. Francis experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 22.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 38.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 3,001 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.1°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,001 ft (915 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,753/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1426°N, 100.9028°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Todd County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ainsworth Regional (ANW)
60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.6"
41% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.51"
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
21 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
73 km |
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
131 km |
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Aug 26, 1991 |
15 km SSE of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
113 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
85 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
139 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
56 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
131 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
94 km |
| Apr 11, 2016 |
11 km E of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.2 |
99 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
57 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
49 km |
| Jan 1, 2025 |
4 km S of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
102 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
130 km |
| Apr 4, 2024 |
19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
94 km |
| Jul 7, 2024 |
11 km NNW of Merriman, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
70 km |
| Jun 16, 2021 |
15 km N of Quinn, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| Aug 6, 2012 |
21 km WNW of Mullen, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
222 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2011 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1977 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1963 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 2003 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1993 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1982 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1979 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1977 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1974 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1973 |
EF2 |
13 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 |
76 km |
| 2000 |
POWDER HORN |
48,608 |
57 km |
| 2012 |
LONGHORN COMPLEX |
41,443 |
15 km |
| 1988 |
LIGHTNING |
18,426 |
15 km |
| 2000 |
VAL COMP |
15,513 |
76 km |
| 2024 |
POWER DAM ROAD |
15,047 |
60 km |
| 2012 |
CROOKSTON |
14,962 |
17 km |
| 2000 |
HASNOHORSE |
13,420 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
OKREEK |
11,115 |
68 km |
| 1987 |
BIG FIRE |
9,107 |
20 km |
| 1990 |
GOOSECREEK |
8,408 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
DRY CREEK CA |
8,123 |
88 km |
| 2023 |
MCCANN |
7,110 |
33 km |
| 2021 |
HACKBERRY SOUTH RX |
6,463 |
69 km |
| 2000 |
PONY |
5,982 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,014 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
WANBLEE TIMBER |
4,982 |
73 km |
| 2003 |
PAPA |
4,746 |
92 km |
| 1998 |
TNC |
4,683 |
65 km |
| 1991 |
YELLOWROBE |
4,679 |
28 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
St. Francis has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 22°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and November the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in St. Francis. 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 St. Francis
What is the population of St. Francis?
St. Francis has a population of 631 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,753 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is St. Francis expensive to live in?
St. Francis 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 $45,417, 40% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $572 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in St. Francis?
St. Francis has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 22.6 inches, with 38.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in St. Francis?
The job market in St. Francis faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.1% / 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. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in St. Francis?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $572. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 35.0%.
How are the schools in St. Francis?
Schools in St. Francis have an average test score of 1.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 38.1% of adults in St. Francis hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. 20.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. Francis?
The obesity rate in St. Francis is 52.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 42.9% of adults are smokers. 46.3% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 23.3% 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 is transportation like in St. Francis?
The average commute in St. Francis is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 58.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of St. Francis?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. Francis is 1% White, 28.5% Asian. 62.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 31.5% speak Spanish. 2.8% of the population are military veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability. 76.7% have health insurance coverage.