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Swift Bird, SD

South Dakota · Dewey County

Swift Bird is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 183.

Data updated April 2026

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
183 Population 373/sq mi density
44°F Avg Temperature 276 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
0 violent crimes/100K (100% below avg)
B
Education
3.4 / 5.0
0.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Swift Bird, SD

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Violent Crime 0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment 42.4%
1078% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 100.0%
706% higher than US avg

How Swift Bird Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population183
Median Age10.6 yrs
Density373/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans44.0%

Economy

Per Capita$4,108
Unemployment42.4%
Poverty100.0%
County GDP$271M

Housing

Ownership0.0%
Zillow$150,184
Housing Units30
Rent Burden21.8%

Crime

C+
Violent0/100K
Property826/100K

Health

Obesity36.0%
Uninsured10.4%
Smoking24.0%
Depression19.0%
Heart Disease6.0%

Climate

Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,833 ft (559 m)

Education

B
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+59.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.74

Community

2024 VoteR 42% / D 55%
Broadband28.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3

Is Swift Bird a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Swift Bird receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Swift Bird has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

At 42.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 100.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.

Safety & Crime

Swift Bird is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 826 per 100,000, 58% below the national average.

Education

0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 59.1% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.

Climate & Weather

Swift Bird has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 15°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 20.2 inches, including 38.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.

Swift Bird has a population of 183 with a density of 373 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 10.6 years, 73% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.1% female and 57.9% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.2% of residents, while 5.8% speak Spanish. 44.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.1% have health insurance coverage.

Population

183
Total Population
373
People / sq mi
10.6yrs
Median Age
73% below US avg
0.5mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 57.9%
Female 42.1%

Race & Ethnicity

Swift Bird vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 94.2%
20% above US avg
Spanish 5.8%
57% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Swift Bird vs U.S. Average

Per capita income is $4,108 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $982, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 42.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 100.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 156 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Swift Bird vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$4,108
Avg Weekly Wage$982
IRS Avg AGI$50,713
Gini Index0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment42.4%
1078% above US avg
Poverty Rate100.0%
706% above US avg
Establishments (County)156
County GDP$271M

Business (County)

Restaurants7
Healthcare17
Retail12

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living88.60 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone0.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

Zillow estimates the typical home value at $150,184. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 0.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 30 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Zillow ZHVI$150,184

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Rent Burden21.8%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$691
1 Bedroom$784
2 Bedrooms$990
3 Bedrooms$1,295
4 Bedrooms$1,540

Ownership & Property

Homeownership0.0%
Owner-Occupied0.0%
Renter-Occupied34.5%
Housing Units30
Median Year Built1991

Property Tax

In Swift Bird, 36.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 24.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.2% report binge drinking. 28.1% are physically inactive. 19.0% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,246. The dentist ratio is 1:1,713. 54.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.7 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Swift Bird vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity36.0%
12% above US avg
Diabetes13.7%
Heart Disease6.0%
High Blood Pressure27.8%
Asthma12.2%
COPD6.6%
Cancer4.0%
Stroke3.6%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking24.0%
71% above US avg
Binge Drinking14.2%
Physical Inactivity28.1%
Depression19.0%
Mental Distress18.7%
Physical Distress14.0%
Short Sleep29.8%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate91.1%
Uninsured10.4%
21% above US avg
Primary Care1:5,246
Dentists1:1,713
Mental Health1:1,302
Checkup Rate59.1%
Dental Visits43.6%
Premature Death41,916/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment4.7/10
Exercise Access54.5%
Healthcare Facilities17
Swift Bird has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 826 per 100,000, 58% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Swift Bird receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Swift Bird vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent0.0/100K
100% below US avg

Property Crime

Total Property826.5/100K
58% below US avg

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)2
Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Swift Bird has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 15°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 20.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 38.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,833 feet.

Temperature

15°F Jan (-9°C) 72°F Jul (22°C)
Annual Average44.3°F
18% below US avg
January Average15°F (-9°C)
July Average72°F (22°C)
Sunny Days276 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,833 ft (559 m)
Area0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²)
Population Density373/sq mi
Coordinates45.0601°N, 100.3545°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyDewey County County
Nearest AirportPierre Regional (PIR)
47 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 20.2"
47% below US avg
Snowfall 38.7"
Wettest Month (Jun) 2.95"
Driest Month (Jan) 0.35"

Air Quality

AQI Median35.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskRelatively Low
Risk Score78.7 / 100
Social Vulnerability98.7 / 100
Community Resilience6.9 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Very Low
Earthquake Very Low
Wildfire Relatively Low
Flood Very Low
Hail Relatively Low
Strong Wind Relatively Low
Heat Wave Very Low
Winter Weather Relatively High
Lightning Very Low
Ice Storm Relatively Moderate
Drought Very Low
Cold Wave Very High
Landslide Very Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on May 30, 2024.

May 30, 2024 38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota M3.7 44 km
Aug 9, 2011 2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota M3.3 81 km
Aug 5, 2022 4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota M3.2 126 km
Aug 15, 2017 8 km E of Agar, South Dakota M3.0 39 km
Jul 3, 1995 9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota M2.8 136 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tornado History

224 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950. Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 injuries.

Date Rating Distance Fatalities
May 22, 2010 EF4 64 km 0
Aug 24, 2006 EF3 86 km 0
Jun 21, 1983 EF3 96 km 0
Jul 23, 1973 EF3 79 km 0
Jun 20, 1968 EF3 53 km 0
Jun 20, 1968 EF3 55 km 0
Jun 9, 1957 EF3 96 km 0
Aug 28, 2024 EF2 70 km 0
Jun 16, 2010 EF2 99 km 0
Jun 16, 2010 EF2 77 km 0
Jul 18, 2001 EF2 58 km 0
Jun 12, 1993 EF2 77 km 0
Jun 30, 1992 EF2 84 km 0
Sep 2, 1983 EF2 89 km 0
Sep 2, 1983 EF2 99 km 0
Jun 22, 1983 EF2 96 km 0
May 19, 1974 EF2 95 km 0
Oct 1, 1971 EF2 41 km 0
Jul 18, 1970 EF2 6 km 0
Jun 14, 1970 EF2 72 km 0
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)

Wildfire History

20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: LAPLANTE (14,777 ac, 2002).

Year Name Acres Distance
2002 LAPLANTE 14,777 31 km
1991 UNNAMED 14,487 59 km
2000 TRIBLE 9,718 91 km
2000 HOUCK RANCH 8,746 69 km
1999 BULLHEAD 5,606 94 km
2000 JENSEN 4,739 85 km
2000 HAYES 4,627 87 km
2020 BENT RIM 3,665 73 km
2006 B WARD 1 3,325 91 km
2006 THOMPSON COMPLEX 3,230 93 km
2022 ROHRBACH 2,887 76 km
2005 LITTLE BEND 2,789 39 km
2006 1804 2,778 55 km
2011 MOUND CITY 2,755 80 km
2023 LITTLE BEND RX 2,574 39 km
2006 FOUR BEAR 2,179 5 km
2000 FTMANUEL 2,124 92 km
1987 UNNAMED 1,869 96 km
2006 FT PIERRE COMPLEX 1,812 90 km
1991 UNNAMED 1,438 65 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 15°F (-9°C) 0.4 in Coldest, Driest
February 22°F (-6°C) 0.5 in
March 32°F (0°C) 1.1 in
April 45°F (7°C) 2.0 in
May 58°F (14°C) 2.6 in
June 67°F (20°C) 3.0 in Wettest
July 72°F (22°C) 2.2 in
August 73°F (23°C) 1.9 in Warmest
September 62°F (16°C) 1.3 in
October 49°F (9°C) 1.1 in
November 32°F (-0°C) 0.5 in
December 20°F (-7°C) 0.5 in

Swift Bird has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 15°F in January to 73°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 17.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.4").

View full weather details →
Swift Bird is located in Dewey County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 0.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 100% below the national average of 33.7%. 59.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical benchmarks. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Democrat with 55.2% of the vote, a 12.8-point margin. 28.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). The area has 2 EV charging stations. There are 3 public libraries serving the community. 17 healthcare facilities operate in the area.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 42.4%
D 55.2%

Winner: Democrat by 12.8 points

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)2
Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
C+ Safety Grade (2.5/5.0)

Education

Bachelor's Degree+0.0%
100% below US avg
High School+59.1%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
School Test Score3.74
B Education Grade (3.4/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density373/sq mi
Total Area0.5 sq mi
CountyDewey County County

Services

Broadband Access28.0%
Avg Download Speed39.7 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed15.1 Mbps
Max Download Speed1,000 Mbps
EV Charging Stations2
Alt Fuel Stations3
Public Libraries3
Healthcare Facilities17
Restaurants7
Retail Stores12

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone0.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%
Average costs for common services in Swift Bird. 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)

Top Industries in Dewey County

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Retail Trade 212 18 $23,146 0.87
Accommodation & Food Services 88 11 $15,913 0.40
Wholesale Trade 43 5 $56,694 0.45
Information & Technology 25 3 $23,433 0.55
Other Services 14 6 $45,270 0.19

Golf Courses in Swift Bird

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Sutton Bay Golf Course

Bridges in Swift Bird

LocationTypeKindYear BuiltLength (ft)Daily TrafficCondition
Truss (Thru)Steel continuous19584,619582F
SlabConcrete continuous1969146277F
SlabConcrete continuous2013173110G
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete20137677G
Stringer/Multi-beamPrestressed concrete200415574G
Channel BeamConcrete196010170P
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel19633115F

Airports Near Swift Bird

16 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Mobridge Municipal AirportMBGMedium Airport
Pierre Regional AirportPIRMedium Airport
Beaman AirportSmall Airport
Booth Ranch AirportSmall Airport
Bowdle Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Eureka Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Gary Myers AirportSmall Airport
Gettysburg Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Harrold Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Hayes Emergency AirstripSmall Airport
Hoven Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Lenling AirportSmall Airport
Mc Laughlin Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Onida Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Timber Lake Municipal AirportSmall Airport
W L Thompson AirportSmall Airport

Explore Near Swift Bird

Historic Markers
1
Officially designated historical markers from the Historical Marker Database
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Frequently Asked Questions About Swift Bird

What is the population of Swift Bird?

Swift Bird has a population of 183 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 373 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 10.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.1% female and 57.9% male.

Is Swift Bird expensive to live in?

Swift Bird is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100.

Is Swift Bird safe?

Swift Bird is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 826 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Swift Bird receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Swift Bird?

Swift Bird has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°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 20.2 inches, with 38.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.

How is the job market in Swift Bird?

The job market in Swift Bird faces challenges, with unemployment at 42.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $982. There are 156 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations.

How are the schools in Swift Bird?

Schools in Swift Bird have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Swift Bird hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 59.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Swift Bird?

The obesity rate in Swift Bird is 36.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.0% of adults are smokers. 28.1% are physically inactive. 19.0% of residents report depression. 10.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,246.

What are the demographics of Swift Bird?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Swift Bird is 100% Hispanic or Latino. 94.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.8% speak Spanish. 44.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.

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