Median Income
$97,031
29% higher than US avg
Home Value
$178,900
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
10/100K
97% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.4%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,025
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Valley Springs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population967
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density977/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans21.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$97,031
Per Capita$42,433
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$992M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$178,900
Rent$1,025
Ownership79.0%
Zillow$338,776
Housing Units365
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
D
Violent10/100K
Property258/100K
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking13.2%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain29.6 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,410 ft (430 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.4%
High School+96.6%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute22 min
Broadband95.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Valley Springs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Valley Springs receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Valley Springs offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Valley Springs is $97,031, 29% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Valley Springs is $178,900, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,025 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Valley Springs is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 10 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 258 per 100,000, 87% below the national average.
Education
17.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Valley Springs has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Valley Springs has a population of 967 with a density of 977 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.3% female and 60.7% male. The city is predominantly White (96%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 21.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Valley Springs vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Valley Springs vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Valley Springs is $97,031, which is 29% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,433. The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 328 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Valley Springs vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $97,031 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,433 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,379 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 328 |
| County GDP | $992M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 29 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,047 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.0% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Valley Springs is $178,900, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $338,776, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,025 (12% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 365 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $3,047. 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $178,900 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $338,776 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,025 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.0% |
| Housing Units | 365 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,047 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.70% |
In Valley Springs, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 20.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.6% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,076. The dentist ratio is 1:3,179. 57.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Valley Springs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.0% |
| Short Sleep | 29.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,076 |
| Dentists | 1:3,179 |
| Mental Health | 1:455 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 68.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,748/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 29 |
Valley Springs has a violent crime rate of 10 per 100,000 residents, 97% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 258 per 100,000, 87% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Valley Springs receives a safety grade of D.
Crime Rates: Valley Springs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 10.3/100K |
| 97% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 258.3/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | D |
| Safety Score | 1.7 / 5.0 |
Valley Springs has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°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 29.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,410 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,410 ft (430 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 977/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5821°N, 96.4659°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rock County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.6"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
139 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
633 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 437 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
87 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
99 km |
6 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Valley Springs has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Valley Springs. 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 | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Valley Springs
What is the population of Valley Springs?
Valley Springs has a population of 967 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 977 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 39.3% female and 60.7% male.
Is Valley Springs expensive to live in?
Valley Springs 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 $97,031, 29% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $178,900 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,025 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Valley Springs safe?
Valley Springs is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 10 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 258 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Valley Springs receives a safety grade of D based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Valley Springs?
Valley Springs has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Valley Springs?
The job market in Valley Springs is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 328 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Valley Springs?
The median home value in Valley Springs is $178,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $338,776. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,025. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,047.
How are the schools in Valley Springs?
Schools in Valley Springs score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.4% of adults in Valley Springs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Valley Springs?
The obesity rate in Valley Springs is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 20.6% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 57.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,076.
What is transportation like in Valley Springs?
The average commute in Valley Springs is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Valley Springs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Valley Springs is 96% White, 0.6% Black or African American. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 21.6% of the population are military veterans. 8.1% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
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