West Brule, SD

South Dakota

West Brule is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 482. Residents earn $34,167 per year, which is 55% below the national average.

2.8 /5.0
C+ Fair
482 Population 408/sq mi density
$34,167 Median Income $8,770 per capita
N/A Home Value
$425 Median Rent
44°F Avg Temperature
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.5 / 5.0
$34,167 median income, 0.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$425/mo rent
F
Education
1.0 / 5.0
0.5% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $34,167
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 0.5%
99% lower than US avg
Median Rent $425
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 51.8%
61% higher than US avg
Unemployment 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 56.3%
354% higher than US avg

How West Brule Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population482
Median Age18.2 yrs
Density408/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 7%

Economy

C+
Median Income$34,167
Per Capita$8,770
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty56.3%
County GDP$95M
Commute8 min

Housing

A+
Home ValueN/A
Rent$425
OwnershipN/A

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

Obesity51.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease11.7%

Climate

Avg Temp44°F
AQI35 (Good)
Rain18.6 in/yr
Elevation1,778 ft

Education

F
Bachelor's+0.5%
High School+76.4%
School Score5.45

Community

2024 VoteR 35% / D 62%
Commute8 min
Broadband99.0%

Is West Brule a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, West Brule receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. West Brule has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in West Brule is $34,167, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 56.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

Renters pay a median of $425 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability.

Education

0.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.

Climate & Weather

West Brule has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.6 inches, including 40.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.

West Brule has a population of 482 with a density of 408 people per square mile. The median age is 18.2 years, 53% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Hispanic (93.2%), with 6.8% White.

Population

482
Total Population
408
People / sq mi
18.2yrs
Median Age
53% below US avg
1.2mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.8%
Female 50.2%

Race & Ethnicity

West Brule vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only95.8%
22% above US avg
Spanish4.2%
69% below US avg

Social Characteristics

West Brule vs U.S. Average

The median household income in West Brule is $34,167, which is 55% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 56.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes.

Income: West Brule vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$34,167
55% below US avg
Per Capita Income$8,770
Avg Weekly Wage$980
IRS Avg AGI$36,268

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate56.3%
354% above US avg
Establishments (County)27
County GDP$95M

Business (County)

Healthcare3
Retail3

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time8.1 min
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

Monthly rent averages $425 (63% below US avg).

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$425
63% below US avg

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$691
1 Bedroom$784
2 Bedrooms$990
3 Bedrooms$1,295
4 Bedrooms$1,540

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied37.8%

Property Tax

In West Brule, 51.8% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.0% report depression. 45.8% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: West Brule vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity51.8%
61% above US avg
Diabetes24.3%
Heart Disease11.7%
High Blood Pressure43.1%
Asthma15.3%
COPD14.5%
Stroke7.4%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Binge Drinking15.2%
Physical Inactivity45.8%
Depression24.0%
Mental Distress25.0%
Physical Distress24.6%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate56.3%
Checkup Rate73.9%
Premature Death46,418/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment5.2/10
Healthcare Facilities3

Crime Rates: West Brule vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

West Brule has an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation is 18.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.

Temperature

15°F Jan (-9°C) 73°F Jul (23°C)
Annual Average44.3°F
18% below US avg
January Average15°F (-9°C)
July Average73°F (23°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall18.6 inches
51% below US avg
Snowfall40.0 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median35.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,778 ft (542 m)
Area1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²)
Population Density408/sq mi
Coordinates44.0727°N, 99.6384°W
County FIPS46017
It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural. 0.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (99% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Democrat by a 27.3-point margin. 99.0% of households have broadband internet.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 35.2%
D 62.5%

Winner: Democrat by 27.3 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+0.5%
99% below US avg
High School+76.4%
School Test Score5.45
F Education Grade (1.0/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro — Rural
Population Density408/sq mi
Total Area1.2 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access99.0%
Healthcare Facilities3
Retail Stores3

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute8.1 min
Work from Home0.0%

Nearby Cities

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