Median Income
$52,815
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$210,200
25% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
194/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
50.6%
50% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$728
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.0%
94% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
44% lower than US avg
How Vermillion Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population11,800
Median Age22.9 yrs
Density2,463/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans4.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$52,815
Per Capita$24,675
Unemployment7.0%
Poverty6.9%
County GDP$877M
Commute15 min
Housing
A
Home Value$210,200
Rent$728
Ownership42.7%
Zillow$268,591
Housing Units4,485
Rent Burden25.8%
Crime
F
Violent194/100K
Property1,929/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault148/100K
Burglary120/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking15.7%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain28.0 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,233 ft (376 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+50.6%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+22.4%
School Score6.19
Community
2024 VoteR 46% / D 52%
Commute15 min
Broadband91.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Vermillion a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vermillion receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Vermillion offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vermillion is $52,815, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate 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 Vermillion is $210,200, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $728 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Vermillion is below the national average at 194 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,929 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Vermillion is a highly educated community / 50.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Vermillion experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Vermillion has a population of 11,800 with a density of 2,463 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age is 22.9 years, 41% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (85.4%), with 6.6% Hispanic, 2.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.5% of residents, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 4.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
22.9yrs
Median Age
41% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Vermillion vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.5%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.5%
59% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Vermillion vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Vermillion is $52,815, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,675 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $941, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 471 business establishments, including 46 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Vermillion vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,815 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,675 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $941 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,075 |
| Gini Index | 0.477 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.0% |
| 94% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.9% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 471 |
| County GDP | $877M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 46 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,200 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 7.0% |
The median home value in Vermillion is $210,200, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,591, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $728 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 42.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,485 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $5,200 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $210,200 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $268,591 |
| Median List Price | $227,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $227,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $133 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.6% |
| Price Drops | 8.8% |
| Inventory | 34 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $728 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,045 |
| Rent Burden | 25.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 42.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 42.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 57.3% |
| Housing Units | 4,485 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,200 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.47% |
In Vermillion, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,164. The dentist ratio is 1:1,698. 85.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-25)
PM2.5
7.8
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
8.6
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.6
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.5
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
132.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Vermillion vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,164 |
| Dentists | 1:1,698 |
| Mental Health | 1:857 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 64.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,573/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Vermillion has a violent crime rate of 194 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 147.7 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 46.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,929 per 100,000, 2% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,726, burglary at 120, vehicle theft at 83 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Vermillion receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Vermillion vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 193.9/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 46.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 147.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,929.3/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
| Burglary | 120.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,726.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 83.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Vermillion experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°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 28.0 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 1,233 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.8°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,233 ft (376 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,463/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7814°N, 96.9254°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.0"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0477 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
59 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
82 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
115 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
72 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
658 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 227 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
45 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SIX PACK (1,649 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Vermillion has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Vermillion. 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 | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $591 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $443 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermillion
What is the population of Vermillion?
Vermillion has a population of 11,800 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 2,463 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 22.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Vermillion expensive to live in?
Vermillion 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 $52,815, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $210,200 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $728 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Vermillion safe?
Vermillion is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 194 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,929 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Vermillion receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vermillion?
Vermillion has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Vermillion?
The unemployment rate in Vermillion is 7.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $941. There are 471 business establishments in the area, including 46 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 7.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vermillion?
The median home value in Vermillion is $210,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,591. For renters, the median monthly rent is $728. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 42.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,200.
How are the schools in Vermillion?
Schools in Vermillion score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 50.6% of adults in Vermillion hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 22.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vermillion?
The obesity rate in Vermillion is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 85.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,164.
What is transportation like in Vermillion?
The average commute in Vermillion is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vermillion?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vermillion is 85.4% White, 2.6% Black or African American, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino. 94.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 4.3% of the population are military veterans. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
