Median Income
$65,250
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,000
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.6%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$538
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.0%
45% higher than US avg
How Wessington Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population192
Median Age33.0 yrs
Density505/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,250
Per Capita$31,415
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty18.0%
County GDP$1,236M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,000
Rent$538
Ownership85.2%
Zillow$172,569
Housing Units119
Rent Burden33.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property550/100K
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking16.3%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.7 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,414 ft (431 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.6%
High School+97.4%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score5.04
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute14 min
Broadband81.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Wessington a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wessington receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
Wessington is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 550 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
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 5/10.
Climate & Weather
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. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.7 inches, including 44.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Wessington has a population of 192 with a density of 505 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 33.0 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 62% female and 38% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 20.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.0yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wessington vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Wessington vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wessington is $65,250, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,415 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $971, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 690 business establishments, including 44 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Wessington vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,250 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,415 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $971 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,903 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.0% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 690 |
| County GDP | $1,236M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 60 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,541 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Wessington is $95,000, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,569, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $538 (54% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 119 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $4,541 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $172,569 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $538 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.8% |
| Housing Units | 119 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,541 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.78% |
In Wessington, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,125. The dentist ratio is 1:2,153. 80.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wessington vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 30.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,125 |
| Dentists | 1:2,153 |
| Mental Health | 1:370 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 70.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,497/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
Wessington has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 550 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wessington receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Wessington vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 550.2/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Wessington has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°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 25.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 44.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,414 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.4°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| 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 |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Beadle County County |
| Nearest Airport | Huron Regional (HON)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.7"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.27"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
76 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
134 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
39 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
100 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
82 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
80 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
376 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 78 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
36 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HOLIDAY (2,936 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
60 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
34 km |
| 2011 |
HIGHWAY 47 |
1,800 |
81 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
69 km |
| 2000 |
BAD HORSE |
1,215 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
26 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Wessington has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Wessington. 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 Wessington
What is the population of Wessington?
Wessington has a population of 192 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 505 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 62% female and 38% male.
Is Wessington expensive to live in?
Wessington 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 $65,250, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,000 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $538 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wessington safe?
Wessington is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 550 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wessington receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wessington?
Wessington has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.7 inches, with 44.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Wessington?
The job market in Wessington is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $971. There are 690 business establishments in the area, including 44 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wessington?
The median home value in Wessington is $95,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,569. For renters, the median monthly rent is $538. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,541.
How are the schools in Wessington?
Schools in Wessington score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.6% of adults in Wessington hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wessington?
The obesity rate in Wessington is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 80.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,125.
What is transportation like in Wessington?
The average commute in Wessington is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wessington?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wessington is 97.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 20.2% of residents have a disability. 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
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