Median Income
$104,643
39% higher than US avg
Home Value
$305,300
8% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
136/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
41.4%
23% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,113
4% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
69% lower than US avg
How Tea Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,339
Median Age29.7 yrs
Density1,673/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$104,643
Per Capita$39,177
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty3.9%
County GDP$8,823M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$305,300
Rent$1,113
Ownership79.3%
Zillow$375,113
Housing Units2,020
Rent Burden24.9%
Crime
F
Violent136/100K
Property1,628/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault85/100K
Burglary153/100K
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured6.1%
Smoking11.5%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain27.8 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,489 ft (454 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+41.4%
High School+99.0%
Graduate+10.1%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute19 min
Broadband98.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Tea a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tea receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Tea offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tea is $104,643, which is significantly higher than the national average / 39% above $75,149. This places Tea among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tea is $305,300, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,113 per month. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Tea is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,628 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Tea experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.8 inches, including 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Tea has a population of 6,339 with a density of 1,673 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 29.7 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (92.1%), with 4.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.7yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Tea is $104,643, which is 39% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,177. The average weekly wage is $1,252, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,515 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $104,643 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,177 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,252 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $124,882 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.9% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,515 |
| County GDP | $8,823M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 230 |
| Retail | 180 |
| Manufacturing | 61 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,467 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.0% |
The median home value in Tea is $305,300, 8% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $375,113, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,113 (4% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,020 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2000. The average annual property tax is $8,467 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $305,300 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $375,113 |
| Median List Price | $342,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $342,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $239 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.6% |
| Price Drops | 3.8% |
| Inventory | 53 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,113 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.7% |
| Housing Units | 2,020 |
| Median Year Built | 2000 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,467 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.77% |
In Tea, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 27.0% have high blood pressure. 11.5% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 16.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.5% report depression. 14.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:754. The dentist ratio is 1:1,109. 92.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tea vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.0% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 8.1% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.5% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.6% |
| Depression | 20.5% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 9.4% |
| Short Sleep | 27.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.1% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:754 |
| Dentists | 1:1,109 |
| Mental Health | 1:320 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 74.6% |
| Premature Death | 4,503/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 230 |
Tea has a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 84.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 50.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,628 per 100,000, 17% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,339, burglary at 153, vehicle theft at 136 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Tea receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tea vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 135.6/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 50.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 84.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,627.7/100K |
| 17% below US avg |
| Burglary | 152.6/100K |
| Theft | 1,339.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 135.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tea experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 291 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 27.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.1 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 1,489 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.7°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,489 ft (454 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,673/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4556°N, 96.8240°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lincoln County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.8"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
96 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
131 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
648 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 11 fatalities, 271 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
76 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1968 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Tea has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Tea. 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 | $772 |
| Toddler | $772 |
| Preschool | $724 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $518 |
| Toddler | $518 |
| Preschool | $499 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tea
What is the population of Tea?
Tea has a population of 6,339 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,673 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Tea expensive to live in?
Tea 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 $104,643, 39% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $305,300 (8% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,113 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Tea safe?
Tea is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,628 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Tea receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tea?
Tea has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.8 inches, with 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Tea?
The job market in Tea is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,252. There are 2,515 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 16.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tea?
The median home value in Tea is $305,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $375,113. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,113. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.3%. The average annual property tax is $8,467.
How are the schools in Tea?
Schools in Tea score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 41.4% of adults in Tea hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school. 10.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tea?
The obesity rate in Tea is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.5% of adults are smokers. 16.6% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 6.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 92.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:754.
What is transportation like in Tea?
The average commute in Tea is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tea?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tea is 92.1% White, 4.1% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 4.7% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
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