Violent Crime
142/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
18.2%
406% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Vilas Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population16
Median Age39.5 yrs
Density5/mi²
Male / Female81% / 19%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans11.0%
Economy
Per Capita$24,175
Unemployment18.2%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$177M
Housing
Ownership25.0%
Zillow$258,166
Housing Units8
Rent Burden21.8%
Crime
F
Violent142/100K
Property1,332/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Smoking16.8%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain26.4 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,473 ft (449 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.28
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 25%
Broadband8.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Vilas a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vilas receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Vilas offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
At 18.2%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Vilas is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,332 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Vilas experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.4 inches, including 35.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Vilas has a population of 16 with a density of 5 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 39.5 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 18.8% female and 81.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 25.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.5yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $24,175 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $837, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 18.2% (above 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 108 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $24,175 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $837 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,103 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 18.2% |
| 406% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 108 |
| County GDP | $177M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $258,166. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 25.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 8 total housing units in the city. 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 25.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 25.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 75.0% |
| Housing Units | 8 |
Property Tax
In Vilas, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,314. The dentist ratio is 1:384. 52.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vilas vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 25.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,314 |
| Dentists | 1:384 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 67.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,717/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 52.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Vilas has a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,332 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. Overall, Vilas receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Vilas vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 141.7/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,332.0/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Vilas experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°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 26.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 35.8 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 1,473 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,473 ft (449 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 5/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0084°N, 97.5956°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Miner County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.4"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively 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 Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively 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: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
144 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
63 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
70 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
522 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 243 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
30 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1965 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TAHOHPI WUI RX (1,166 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Vilas has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Vilas. 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 Vilas
What is the population of Vilas?
Vilas has a population of 16 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 5 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.5 years. The population is 18.8% female and 81.3% male.
Is Vilas expensive to live in?
Vilas is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Vilas safe?
Vilas is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,332 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Vilas receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vilas?
Vilas has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.4 inches, with 35.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Vilas?
The job market in Vilas faces challenges, with unemployment at 18.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $837. There are 108 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Vilas?
Schools in Vilas score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Vilas hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vilas?
The obesity rate in Vilas is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 52.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,314.
What are the demographics of Vilas?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vilas is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 11.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 25.0% have health insurance coverage.
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