South Dakota
Wessington is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 192. Residents earn $65,250 per year, which is 13% below the national average.
Based on current data, Wessington receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Wessington offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Wessington is $65,250, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 18.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Wessington is $95,000, 66% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $538 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
22.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Wessington has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 25.7 inches, including 44.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
| English Only | 98.4% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.6% |
| 88% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $65,250 |
| 13% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $31,415 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $971 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,903 |
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 18.0% |
| 45% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 690 |
| County GDP | $1,236M |
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 60 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,541 |
| 30% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.78% |
| Commute Time | 14.4 min |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
| Census Median | $95,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Census Median Rent | $538 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.2% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,541 |
| 30% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 4.78% |
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Insurance Rate | 88.7% |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,497/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Annual Average | 45.4°F |
| 16% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 25.7 inches |
| 32% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 44.5 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,414 ft (431 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 505/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4551°N, 98.6968°W |
| County FIPS | 46005 |
Winner: Republican by 40.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 22.6% |
| 33% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 97.4% |
| School Test Score | 5.45 |
| RUCC Code 7 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K |
| Population Density | 505/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.4 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 90.0% |
| Public Libraries | 1 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Retail Stores | 80 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Commute | 14.4 min |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |