Median Income
$87,788
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$155,800
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
524/100K
38% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.6%
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Ward Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population54
Median Age28.8 yrs
Density186/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans44.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$87,788
Per Capita$28,333
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$988M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$155,800
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$265,974
Housing Units13
Rent Burden24.4%
Crime
F
Violent524/100K
Property1,266/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Smoking12.7%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain28.6 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,755 ft (535 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.6%
High School+87.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute16 min
Broadband25.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Ward a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ward 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, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Ward offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ward is $87,788, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ward is $155,800, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 524 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,266 per 100,000, 35% below the national average.
Education
25.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Ward has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°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 28.6 inches, including 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Ward has a population of 54 with a density of 186 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 28.8 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 44.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 67.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.8yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Ward is $87,788, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,333 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $979, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 399 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 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 | $87,788 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,333 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $979 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,655 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 399 |
| County GDP | $988M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 25 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,720 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Ward is $155,800, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $265,974, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 13 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. The average annual property tax is $2,720 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.4% 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 | $155,800 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $265,974 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 13 |
| Median Year Built | 1995 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,720 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.75% |
In Ward, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 12.7% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 20.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.1% report depression. 14.5% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,863. The dentist ratio is 1:2,339. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ward vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.7% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.9% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 67.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,863 |
| Dentists | 1:2,339 |
| Mental Health | 1:770 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 68.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,687/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 25 |
Ward has a violent crime rate of 524 per 100,000 residents, 38% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,266 per 100,000, 35% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ward receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ward vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 523.8/100K |
| 38% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,265.8/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ward has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°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 28.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.6 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 1,755 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,755 ft (535 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 186/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1548°N, 96.4626°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pipestone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brookings Regional (BKX)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.6"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 26, 2002.
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
512 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 327 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
53 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
57 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Ward has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Ward. 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 Ward
What is the population of Ward?
Ward has a population of 54 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 186 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Ward expensive to live in?
Ward 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 $87,788, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $155,800 (45% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ward safe?
The violent crime rate in Ward is 524 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 1,266 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ward receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ward?
Ward has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°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 28.6 inches, with 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Ward?
The job market in Ward is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $979. There are 399 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ward?
The median home value in Ward is $155,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $265,974. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,720.
How are the schools in Ward?
Schools in Ward score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.6% of adults in Ward hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ward?
The obesity rate in Ward is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.7% of adults are smokers. 20.9% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,863.
What is transportation like in Ward?
The average commute in Ward is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ward?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ward is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 44.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 67.7% have health insurance coverage.
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