Median Income
$46,750
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,000
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
386/100K
1% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.7%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$461
60% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.2%
94% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.4%
89% lower than US avg
How Wessington Springs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population747
Median Age60.1 yrs
Density415/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,750
Per Capita$32,145
Unemployment0.2%
Poverty1.4%
County GDP$172M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,000
Rent$461
Ownership77.4%
Zillow$228,113
Housing Units400
Rent Burden18.5%
Crime
F
Violent386/100K
Property2,427/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking15.7%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.7 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,659 ft (506 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.7%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score4.93
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute14 min
Broadband78.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Wessington Springs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wessington Springs receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Wessington Springs offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wessington Springs is $46,750, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.2%. Only 1.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wessington Springs is $96,000, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $461 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 386 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,427 per 100,000, 24% above the national average.
Education
23.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Wessington Springs 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 Springs has a population of 747 with a density of 415 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 60.1 years, 54% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.8% female and 45.2% male. The city is predominantly White (89.8%), with 6.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 30.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.1yrs
Median Age
54% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wessington Springs vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Wessington Springs vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wessington Springs is $46,750, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,145 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $915, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 106 business establishments, including 9 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). 14.0% of workers work from home.
Income: Wessington Springs vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,750 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,145 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $915 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,554 |
| Gini Index | 0.532 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.2% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 106 |
| County GDP | $172M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.0% |
The median home value in Wessington Springs is $96,000, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,113, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $461 (60% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 400 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. 18.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $228,113 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $461 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.6% |
| Housing Units | 400 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
In Wessington Springs, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:413. 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wessington Springs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 31.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:413 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,660 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Wessington Springs has a violent crime rate of 386 per 100,000 residents, 1% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,427 per 100,000, 24% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wessington Springs receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wessington Springs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 385.6/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,427.2/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wessington Springs 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 1,659 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 | 1,659 ft (506 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 415/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0805°N, 98.5712°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jerauld County County |
| Nearest Airport | Huron Regional (HON)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.7"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.0 / 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 |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
148 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
33 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
42 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
139 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
67 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
75 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
107 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
38 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
423 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 232 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
80 km |
6 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 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 |
30 km |
| 2011 |
HIGHWAY 47 |
1,800 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
68 km |
| 2000 |
BAD HORSE |
1,215 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
99 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
68 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
36 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Wessington Springs has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Wessington Springs. 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 Springs
What is the population of Wessington Springs?
Wessington Springs has a population of 747 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 415 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.8% female and 45.2% male.
Is Wessington Springs expensive to live in?
Wessington Springs 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 $46,750, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,000 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $461 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wessington Springs safe?
The violent crime rate in Wessington Springs is 386 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 2,427 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wessington Springs receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wessington Springs?
Wessington Springs 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 Springs?
The job market in Wessington Springs is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $915. There are 106 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 14.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wessington Springs?
The median home value in Wessington Springs is $96,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,113. For renters, the median monthly rent is $461. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.4%.
How are the schools in Wessington Springs?
Schools in Wessington Springs have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 23.7% of adults in Wessington Springs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wessington Springs?
The obesity rate in Wessington Springs is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Wessington Springs?
The average commute in Wessington Springs is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wessington Springs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wessington Springs is 89.8% White, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 30.5% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
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