Median Income
$43,125
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$53,800
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
48/100K
87% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.1%
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
16.7%
364% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.1%
35% lower than US avg
How Sykeston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population96
Median Age50.0 yrs
Density240/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans78.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$43,125
Per Capita$34,682
Unemployment16.7%
Poverty8.1%
County GDP$444M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$53,800
Ownership76.5%
Zillow$197,375
Housing Units73
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent48/100K
Property481/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking14.7%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation1,636 ft (499 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.1%
High School+91.8%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute15 min
Broadband51.0%
Libraries1
Is Sykeston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sykeston receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Sykeston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sykeston is $43,125, 43% below the national average of $75,149. At 16.7%, unemployment is notably high. 8.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sykeston is $53,800, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sykeston is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 48 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 481 per 100,000, 75% below the national average.
Education
13.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Sykeston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 253 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Sykeston has a population of 96 with a density of 240 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 50.0 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51% female and 49% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.4% of residents, while 19.6% speak Spanish. 78.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 76.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.0yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.4%
2% above US avg
Spanish
19.6%
46% above US avg
The median household income in Sykeston is $43,125, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,682 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $961, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 16.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 207 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,125 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,682 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,996 |
| Gini Index | 0.505 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 16.7% |
| 364% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.1% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 207 |
| County GDP | $444M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Sykeston is $53,800, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,375, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 73 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $53,800 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $197,375 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.5% |
| Housing Units | 73 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
In Sykeston, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:781. The dentist ratio is 1:983. 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sykeston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:781 |
| Dentists | 1:983 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 59.3% |
| Premature Death | 4,966/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Sykeston has a violent crime rate of 48 per 100,000 residents, 87% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 481 per 100,000, 75% below the U.S. average. Overall, Sykeston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sykeston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 48.1/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 481.2/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sykeston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,636 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.8°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,636 ft (499 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 240/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.4661°N, 99.3993°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wells County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jamestown Regional (JMS)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
322 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 38 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1958 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1982 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHICAGOLAKE (4,606 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
CHICAGOLAKE |
4,606 |
48 km |
| 2008 |
GRADER |
1,745 |
23 km |
| 2006 |
BROWN WF |
1,430 |
63 km |
| 1985 |
CHASE LAKE |
1,215 |
52 km |
| 2018 |
EAST JIM LAKE |
1,214 |
53 km |
| 1985 |
LAKE ALICE |
1,214 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
RICE LAKE 1 |
1,150 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Sykeston has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 9°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Sykeston. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $861 |
| Toddler | $787 |
| Preschool | $729 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $633 |
| Toddler | $598 |
| Preschool | $601 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sykeston
What is the population of Sykeston?
Sykeston has a population of 96 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 240 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male.
Is Sykeston expensive to live in?
Sykeston is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,125, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $53,800 (81% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sykeston safe?
Sykeston is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 48 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 481 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sykeston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sykeston?
Sykeston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 253 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Sykeston?
The job market in Sykeston faces challenges, with unemployment at 16.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $961. There are 207 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sykeston?
The median home value in Sykeston is $53,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,375. The homeownership rate is 76.5%.
How are the schools in Sykeston?
Schools in Sykeston score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.1% of adults in Sykeston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sykeston?
The obesity rate in Sykeston is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:781.
What is transportation like in Sykeston?
The average commute in Sykeston is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 65.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sykeston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sykeston is 100% White. 80.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.6% speak Spanish. 78.0% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 76.1% have health insurance coverage.
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