Median Income
$73,750
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$69,200
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.6%
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.8%
5% lower than US avg
How Stratford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population50
Median Age59.0 yrs
Density200/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans15.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$73,750
Per Capita$55,090
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty11.8%
County GDP$3,155M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$69,200
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$270,338
Housing Units37
Rent Burden22.6%
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured22.0%
Smoking13.7%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI24 (Good)
Rain21.8 in/yr
Elevation1,300 ft (396 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score6.27
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute23 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Stratford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Stratford receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Stratford stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Stratford is $73,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 11.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Stratford is $69,200, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
25.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Stratford 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. Annual precipitation totals 21.8 inches, including 42.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 24.
Stratford has a population of 50 with a density of 200 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 59.0 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (96%), with 4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 15.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 78.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50
Total Population
2023 Census
59.0yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Stratford 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
Stratford vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Stratford is $73,750, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $55,090 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,047, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,522 business establishments, including 102 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Stratford vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,750 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $55,090 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,047 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,624 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.8% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,522 |
| County GDP | $3,155M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 163 |
| Manufacturing | 42 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 9.45% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Stratford is $69,200, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,338, 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 37 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,536 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $69,200 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $270,338 |
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 | 37 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 9.45% |
In Stratford, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 19.3% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 22.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,588. The dentist ratio is 1:1,582. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Stratford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.0% |
| Uninsured | 22.0% |
| 156% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,588 |
| Dentists | 1:1,582 |
| Mental Health | 1:219 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.4% |
| Dental Visits | 71.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,876/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Stratford 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. Annual precipitation totals 21.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 24 / among the cleanest air in the country. 86% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,300 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,300 ft (396 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 200/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3174°N, 98.3043°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.8"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 24.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 85.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 4 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 15, 2017.
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
124 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
107 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
363 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 50 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
17 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
18 km |
1 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2005 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1999 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1996 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROHRBACH (2,887 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
91 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
24 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
33 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Stratford has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 13°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Stratford. 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 Stratford
What is the population of Stratford?
Stratford has a population of 50 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 200 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Stratford expensive to live in?
Stratford 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 $73,750, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $69,200 (75% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Stratford?
Stratford 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. Annual rainfall totals 21.8 inches, with 42.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 24.
How is the job market in Stratford?
The job market in Stratford is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,047. There are 1,522 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Stratford?
The median home value in Stratford is $69,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,338. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,536.
How are the schools in Stratford?
Schools in Stratford score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.6% of adults in Stratford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Stratford?
The obesity rate in Stratford is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 22.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,588.
What is transportation like in Stratford?
The average commute in Stratford is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Stratford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Stratford is 96% White, 4% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 15.6% of the population are military veterans. 24.0% of residents have a disability. 78.0% have health insurance coverage.