Sunset Colony, SD

Full City Profile · South Dakota · Marshall County County

61 Population 63/sq mi density

42°F Avg Temperature

Sunset Colony has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.3 inches. The area receives 45.4 inches of snow annually.

Temperature

10°F Jan (-12°C) 70°F Jul (21°C)

Annual Average	42.3°F
	22% below US avg
January Average	10°F (-12°C)
July Average	70°F (21°C)

Geography

Elevation	1,314 ft (401 m)
Area	1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²)
Population Density	63/sq mi
Coordinates	45.8095°N, 97.8852°W
Timezone	America/Chicago
County	Marshall County County
Nearest Airport	Aberdeen Regional (ABR) 36 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 24.3"

36% below US avg

Snowfall 45.4"

Wettest Month (Jul) 4.41"

Driest Month (Feb) 0.64"

Air Quality

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

2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.7 on Oct 20, 1995.

Jun 5, 1993	11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota	M4.1	125 km
Oct 20, 1995	8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota	M3.7	79 km

Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Tornado History

393 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950. Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 48 injuries.

Date	Rating	Distance	Fatalities
Jun 23, 2002	EF4	45 km	0
Jul 17, 2011	EF3	95 km	0
Jun 23, 2002	EF3	58 km	0
May 31, 1996	EF3	60 km	0
May 20, 1974	EF3	92 km	0
Jul 1, 1973	EF3	79 km	1
Jul 1, 1973	EF3	26 km	0
Jul 1, 1973	EF3	65 km	0
Jun 25, 1969	EF3	43 km	0
May 20, 1965	EF3	48 km	0
Jun 21, 1961	EF3	46 km	1
Jul 1, 1952	EF3	78 km	0
Jul 4, 2020	EF2	73 km	0
Jul 10, 2011	EF2	34 km	0
Jul 14, 2010	EF2	72 km	0
May 22, 2010	EF2	34 km	0
May 22, 2010	EF2	92 km	0
Jul 15, 2007	EF2	87 km	0
Jun 29, 2005	EF2	26 km	0
Sep 23, 2004	EF2	90 km	0

Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)

Wildfire History

12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).

Year	Name	Acres	Distance
2021	BIESTERFELD	3,481	75 km
2003	DANIELSON	1,682	58 km
2004	TACOMA PARK PLACE	1,336	43 km
2003	OLERUD	1,275	84 km
2016	SLR 2016 RX MICHELL	1,242	26 km
2000	PHEASANT OPENER	1,206	54 km
2016	UNNAMED	1,128	79 km
2019	UNNAMED	1,060	79 km
2021	HARTLEBEN WPA	1,002	78 km
1992	SPRING LK	1,001	62 km
2006	MOSQUITO RANCH	656	92 km
1997	ROBIN HOOD	542	94 km

Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	10°F (-12°C)	0.7 in	Coldest
February	15°F (-9°C)	0.6 in	Driest
March	28°F (-2°C)	0.9 in
April	43°F (6°C)	2.0 in
May	56°F (13°C)	3.0 in
June	66°F (19°C)	4.1 in
July	70°F (21°C)	4.4 in	Warmest, Wettest
August	69°F (20°C)	2.5 in
September	60°F (15°C)	2.6 in
October	45°F (7°C)	2.2 in
November	29°F (-2°C)	0.7 in
December	16°F (-9°C)	0.7 in

Sunset Colony has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 10°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.6").

View full weather details →