Median Income
$22,500
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
226/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.9%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$433
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.5%
42% higher than US avg
Unemployment
21.9%
508% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
81.3%
556% higher than US avg
How Wakpala Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population159
Median Age26.4 yrs
Density361/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 1%
Veterans95.0%
Economy
F
Median Income$22,500
Per Capita$7,782
Unemployment21.9%
Poverty81.3%
County GDP$103M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Rent$433
Ownership28.6%
Zillow$128,018
Housing Units60
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent226/100K
Property2,317/100K
Health
Obesity45.5%
Uninsured14.8%
Smoking33.7%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease8.1%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,637 ft (499 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.9%
High School+81.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.63
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Commute27 min
Broadband42.0%
EV Stations2
Is Wakpala a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wakpala receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Wakpala has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wakpala is $22,500, 70% below the national average of $75,149. At 21.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 81.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $433 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wakpala is below the national average at 226 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,317 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
6.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Wakpala has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 14°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 20.1 inches, including 34.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Wakpala has a population of 159 with a density of 361 people per square mile, spread across 7.2 square miles. The median age is 26.4 years, 32% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.3% female and 54.7% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (96.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 78.7% of residents, while 21.3% speak Spanish. 95.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 66.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.4yrs
Median Age
32% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
78.7%
0% below US avg
Spanish
21.3%
59% above US avg
The median household income in Wakpala is $22,500, which is 70% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $7,782 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $863, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 21.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 81.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 75 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $22,500 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $7,782 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $863 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,766 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 21.9% |
| 508% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 81.3% |
| 556% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 75 |
| County GDP | $103M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 9 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $128,018. Monthly rent averages $433 (63% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 28.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 60 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. 32.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $433 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 28.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 28.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 71.4% |
| Housing Units | 60 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
In Wakpala, 45.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 19.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.1% of residents, above the national average. 36.0% have high blood pressure. 33.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.4% report binge drinking. 36.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.9% experience frequent mental distress. 14.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 36.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wakpala vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.5% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 19.6% |
| Heart Disease | 8.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.0% |
| Asthma | 14.6% |
| COPD | 10.7% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 5.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 33.7% |
| 141% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.8% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 22.9% |
| Physical Distress | 20.1% |
| Short Sleep | 37.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 66.7% |
| Uninsured | 14.8% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:1,340 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.6% |
| Dental Visits | 41.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,991/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Wakpala has a violent crime rate of 226 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,317 per 100,000, 18% above the U.S. average. Overall, Wakpala receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wakpala vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 226.1/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,317.0/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wakpala has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 14°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 20.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.9 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 1,637 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.3°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,637 ft (499 m) |
| Area | 7.2 sq mi (18.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 361/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.6594°N, 100.5355°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Campbell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bismarck Municipal (BIS)
78 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.1"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 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 |
108 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
210 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 4 fatalities, 38 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF5 |
89 km |
2 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Jul 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1974 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1970 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1969 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1965 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TENBROOK (30,588 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
TENBROOK |
30,588 |
71 km |
| 2002 |
LAPLANTE |
14,777 |
48 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,487 |
19 km |
| 2006 |
STONE MAN CHURCH |
10,389 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
TRIBLE |
9,718 |
23 km |
| 2006 |
LUND |
9,425 |
55 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
7,593 |
69 km |
| 1999 |
BULLHEAD |
5,606 |
44 km |
| 2022 |
HWY31 AND 101ST WEST |
4,879 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
B WARD 1 |
3,325 |
53 km |
| 2015 |
CANNON BALL |
3,068 |
76 km |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE BEND |
2,789 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
1804 |
2,778 |
20 km |
| 2011 |
MOUND CITY |
2,755 |
30 km |
| 2012 |
MCINTOSH |
2,653 |
74 km |
| 2004 |
FISCHER |
2,578 |
73 km |
| 2023 |
LITTLE BEND RX |
2,574 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
CORNSTALK |
2,561 |
40 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR BEAR |
2,179 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Wakpala has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 16.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Wakpala. 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 Wakpala
What is the population of Wakpala?
Wakpala has a population of 159 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 361 people per square mile, spread across 7.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.3% female and 54.7% male.
Is Wakpala expensive to live in?
Wakpala 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 $22,500, 70% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $433 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Wakpala safe?
Wakpala is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 226 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,317 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wakpala receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wakpala?
Wakpala has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 14°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 20.1 inches, with 34.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Wakpala?
The job market in Wakpala faces challenges, with unemployment at 21.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $863. There are 75 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wakpala?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $433. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 28.6%.
How are the schools in Wakpala?
Schools in Wakpala score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.9% of adults in Wakpala hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wakpala?
The obesity rate in Wakpala is 45.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 33.7% of adults are smokers. 36.8% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 14.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 36.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Wakpala?
The average commute in Wakpala is 27 minutes. 84.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wakpala?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wakpala is 0.6% White, 96.9% Hispanic or Latino. 78.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 21.3% speak Spanish. 95.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 66.7% have health insurance coverage.
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