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Tolstoy, SD

South Dakota · Potter County

Tolstoy is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 67. Residents earn $86,875 per year, which is 16% above the national average.

Data updated April 2026

4.7 /5.0
A+ Excellent
67 Population 372/sq mi density
$86,875 Median Income $55,606 per capita
44°F Avg Temperature 276 sunny days/yr
A+
Overall
4.7 / 5.0
Excellent overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A+
Economy
4.7 / 5.0
$86,875 median income, 0.0% unemployment
A+
Education
4.6 / 5.0
45.5% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Tolstoy, 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
Median Income $86,875
16% higher than US avg
Violent Crime 0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 45.5%
35% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 0.0%
100% lower than US avg

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

People

Population67
Median Age30.3 yrs
Density372/mi²
Male / Female63% / 37%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans44.0%

Economy

A+
Median Income$86,875
Per Capita$55,606
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$149M
Commute30 min

Housing

Ownership87.0%
Zillow$150,184
Housing Units26
Rent Burden22.0%

Crime

Violent0/100K
Property0/100K

Health

Obesity35.2%
Smoking14.6%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.1%

Climate

Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,938 ft (591 m)

Education

A+
Bachelor's+45.5%
High School+97.7%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score6.28

Community

2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute30 min
Broadband23.0%
Libraries2

Is Tolstoy a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Tolstoy receives an overall livability score of 4.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Tolstoy stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Tolstoy is $86,875, 16% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.

Safety & Crime

Tolstoy 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 45.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.

Climate & Weather

Tolstoy 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.

Tolstoy has a population of 67 with a density of 372 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 30.3 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.3% female and 62.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 44.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.8% have health insurance coverage.

Population

67
Total Population
372
People / sq mi
30.3yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
0.2mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 62.7%
Female 37.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Tolstoy 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

Tolstoy vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Tolstoy is $86,875, which is 16% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $55,606 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $890, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 145 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 16.2% of workers work from home.

Income: Tolstoy vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$86,875
16% above US avg
Per Capita Income$55,606
Avg Weekly Wage$890
IRS Avg AGI$89,373
Gini Index0.390 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate0.0%
100% below US avg
Establishments (County)145
County GDP$149M

Business (County)

Restaurants11
Healthcare12
Retail16

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living88.60 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time29.5 min
Drive Alone73.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home16.2%

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. 87.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 26 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. 22.0% 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 Burden22.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Homeownership87.0%
Owner-Occupied87.0%
Renter-Occupied13.0%
Housing Units26
Median Year Built1945

Property Tax

In Tolstoy, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 20.4% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,475. The dentist ratio is 1:2,438. 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Tolstoy vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity35.2%
10% above US avg
Diabetes8.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
High Blood Pressure27.8%
Asthma10.4%
COPD5.5%
Cancer7.8%
Stroke2.7%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking14.6%
4% above US avg
Binge Drinking20.4%
Physical Inactivity21.4%
Depression22.7%
Mental Distress16.6%
Physical Distress11.2%
Short Sleep28.9%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate93.8%
Primary Care1:2,475
Dentists1:2,438
Mental Health1:2,413
Checkup Rate74.1%
Dental Visits71.3%
Premature Death4,643/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.4/10
Exercise Access59.2%
Healthcare Facilities12
Tolstoy has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average.

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

Violent Crime

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

Property Crime

Total Property0.0/100K
100% below US avg

Traffic Safety

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Safety Score

View full crime details →
Tolstoy 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 1,938 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

Elevation1,938 ft (591 m)
Area0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²)
Population Density372/sq mi
Coordinates45.2081°N, 99.6140°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyPotter County County
Nearest AirportAberdeen Regional (ABR)
60 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 20.2"
47% below US avg
Snowfall 38.7"
Wettest Month (Jun) 3.35"
Driest Month (Jan) 0.35"

Air Quality

AQI Median35.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score10.0 / 100
Social Vulnerability24.7 / 100
Community Resilience59.2 / 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 Low
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)

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 94 km
Aug 9, 2011 2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota M3.3 115 km
Jul 26, 2002 0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota M3.1 145 km
Aug 15, 2017 8 km E of Agar, South Dakota M3.0 49 km
Jul 3, 1995 9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota M2.8 135 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tornado History

297 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950. Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 30 injuries.

Date Rating Distance Fatalities
May 22, 2010 EF4 29 km 0
Aug 24, 2006 EF3 52 km 0
Jun 23, 2002 EF3 97 km 0
May 31, 1996 EF3 93 km 0
Jun 7, 1993 EF3 100 km 0
Jun 21, 1983 EF3 95 km 0
Jul 1, 1973 EF3 87 km 1
Jun 20, 1968 EF3 46 km 0
Jun 20, 1968 EF3 59 km 0
Jul 31, 1966 EF3 89 km 2
Jun 9, 1957 EF3 43 km 0
Aug 28, 2024 EF2 72 km 0
Aug 30, 2020 EF2 74 km 1
Jul 4, 2020 EF2 82 km 0
May 22, 2010 EF2 60 km 0
Aug 24, 2006 EF2 88 km 0
Jul 18, 2001 EF2 6 km 0
Jun 30, 1992 EF2 96 km 0
Sep 2, 1983 EF2 45 km 0
Sep 2, 1983 EF2 58 km 0
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)

Wildfire History

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

Year Name Acres Distance
2002 LAPLANTE 14,777 82 km
1991 UNNAMED 14,487 92 km
2022 ROHRBACH 2,887 18 km
2005 LITTLE BEND 2,789 95 km
2006 1804 2,778 68 km
2011 MOUND CITY 2,755 76 km
2023 LITTLE BEND RX 2,574 96 km
2006 FOUR BEAR 2,179 61 km
2003 JOEL BERTSCH 2 1,460 79 km
1991 UNNAMED 1,438 81 km
2004 ALLEN STUECKLE 1,330 73 km
2005 N HYDE 1,204 57 km
2021 FUZZY 1,075 66 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 15°F (-9°C) 0.4 in Coldest, Driest
February 18°F (-8°C) 0.4 in
March 30°F (-1°C) 1.1 in
April 44°F (7°C) 1.9 in
May 57°F (14°C) 2.5 in
June 66°F (19°C) 3.4 in Wettest
July 72°F (22°C) 2.4 in Warmest
August 70°F (21°C) 2.2 in
September 60°F (15°C) 1.4 in
October 46°F (8°C) 1.2 in
November 29°F (-2°C) 0.6 in
December 16°F (-9°C) 0.4 in

Tolstoy has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.4").

View full weather details →
Tolstoy is located in Potter County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 45.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 35% above the national average of 33.7%. 97.7% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 6.3 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 81.6% of the vote, a 65.1-point margin. 23.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). There are 2 public libraries serving the community. 12 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 73% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 81.6%
D 16.5%

Winner: Republican by 65.1 points

Safety & Disasters

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Education

Bachelor's Degree+45.5%
35% above US avg
High School+97.7%
Graduate Degree+8.3%
School Test Score6.28
A+ Education Grade (4.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density372/sq mi
Total Area0.2 sq mi
CountyPotter County County

Services

Broadband Access23.0%
Avg Download Speed188.0 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed173.8 Mbps
Max Download Speed1,000 Mbps
Public Libraries2
Healthcare Facilities12
Restaurants11
Retail Stores16

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute29.5 min
Drive Alone73.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home16.2%
Average costs for common services in Tolstoy. 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 Potter County

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

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Retail Trade 113 16 $29,688 1.38
Wholesale Trade 73 12 $124,723 2.26
Agriculture & Forestry 70 28 $51,918 10.54
Other Services 28 9 $41,077 1.13
Professional & Technical Services 8 6 $57,577 0.14

Libraries in Tolstoy

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
REVEREND MARTIN BIEBER PUBLIC LIBRARY1075 3RD AVE. N.0.01,053

Cell Towers in Tolstoy

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
.5 MI S OF US HWY 12 & 4.9 MI E OF THE NATL WATERFOWL PRODUCTION AREATOWER99
County Road 6 (108322)LTOWER61
County Road 6 (108322)LTOWER61
County Road 6 (108322)LTOWER61
County Road 6 (108322)LTOWER61
County Road 6 (108322)LTOWER61
County Road 6 (108322)LTOWER61
(Seneca site) 33197 160th St.LTOWER61

Fire Stations in Tolstoy

NameAddressTypeActive FirefightersVolunteersPhone
Tolstoy Fire Department, Inc.103 Main STVolunteer605-870-0583

Airports Near Tolstoy

15 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Beaman AirportSmall Airport
Bowdle Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Eureka Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Faulkton Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Gary Myers AirportSmall Airport
Gettysburg Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Harrold Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Herreid Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Highmore Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Hoven Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Lost Creek AirportSmall Airport
Miller Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Onida Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Strouckel Farm AirportSmall Airport
TC FieldSmall Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Tolstoy

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
TOLSTOY WESLEYAN CHURCHPO BOX 51

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tolstoy

What is the population of Tolstoy?

Tolstoy has a population of 67 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 372 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.3% female and 62.7% male.

Is Tolstoy expensive to live in?

Tolstoy 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 $86,875, 16% above the national average of $75,149.

Is Tolstoy safe?

Tolstoy 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).

What is the weather like in Tolstoy?

Tolstoy 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 Tolstoy?

The job market in Tolstoy is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $890. There are 145 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 16.2% of workers work from home.

How are the schools in Tolstoy?

Schools in Tolstoy score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 45.5% of adults in Tolstoy hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.7% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Tolstoy?

The obesity rate in Tolstoy is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,475.

What is transportation like in Tolstoy?

The average commute in Tolstoy is 30 minutes. 73% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of Tolstoy?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Tolstoy is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 44.0% of the population are military veterans. 4.2% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.

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