Median Income
$52,917
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$40,800
86% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
449/100K
18% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.1%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$653
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
33% lower than US avg
How Veblen Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population428
Median Age27.7 yrs
Density1,381/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 47%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,917
Per Capita$20,716
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty8.3%
County GDP$454M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$40,800
Rent$653
Ownership62.8%
Zillow$204,001
Housing Units196
Rent Burden20.4%
Crime
F
Violent449/100K
Property1,142/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured15.4%
Smoking14.6%
Depression17.6%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,279 ft (390 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.1%
High School+79.3%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute18 min
Broadband81.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Veblen a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Veblen receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Veblen offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Veblen is $52,917, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. 8.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Veblen is $40,800, 86% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $653 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 449 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,142 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
21.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Veblen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 12°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 25.0 inches, including 48.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Veblen has a population of 428 with a density of 1,381 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 27.7 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.4% female and 58.6% male. The city is predominantly White (46.5%), with 32% Hispanic, 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 71.8% of residents, while 28.2% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 82.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.7yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
71.8%
9% below US avg
Spanish
28.2%
110% above US avg
The median household income in Veblen is $52,917, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,716 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,060, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 212 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 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 | $52,917 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,716 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,060 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,004 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.3% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 212 |
| County GDP | $454M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,450 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 13.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Veblen is $40,800, 86% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,001, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $653 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 196 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $5,450 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $40,800 |
| 86% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $204,001 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $653 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.2% |
| Housing Units | 196 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,450 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 13.36% |
In Veblen, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 19.5% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 17.6% report depression. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. 15.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,304. The dentist ratio is 1:4,374. 36.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Veblen vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 17.6% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.4% |
| Uninsured | 15.4% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,304 |
| Dentists | 1:4,374 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,654/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Veblen has a violent crime rate of 449 per 100,000 residents, 18% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,142 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. Overall, Veblen receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Veblen vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 448.8/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,142.4/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Veblen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 12°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 25.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,279 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.5°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,279 ft (390 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,381/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.8620°N, 97.2869°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marshall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.0"
34% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
80 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
34 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
403 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 83 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
74 km |
2 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2011 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
60 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
88 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
11 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
84 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
65 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
71 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
76 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
38 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
100 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
38 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
35 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
49 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
51 km |
| 2006 |
MEADOWS (SOUTH) |
569 |
89 km |
| 2024 |
AGASSIZ BEACHLINE RX |
564 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Veblen has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 12°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Veblen. 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)
Frequently Asked Questions About Veblen
What is the population of Veblen?
Veblen has a population of 428 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,381 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.4% female and 58.6% male.
Is Veblen expensive to live in?
Veblen 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 $52,917, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $40,800 (86% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $653 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Veblen safe?
The violent crime rate in Veblen is 449 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,142 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Veblen receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Veblen?
Veblen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°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 25.0 inches, with 48.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Veblen?
The job market in Veblen is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,060. There are 212 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Veblen?
The median home value in Veblen is $40,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,001. For renters, the median monthly rent is $653. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,450.
How are the schools in Veblen?
Schools in Veblen score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.1% of adults in Veblen hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.3% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Veblen?
The obesity rate in Veblen is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 17.6% of residents report depression. 15.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 36.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,304.
What is transportation like in Veblen?
The average commute in Veblen is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Veblen?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Veblen is 46.5% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 32% Hispanic or Latino. 71.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 28.2% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 82.4% have health insurance coverage.
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