Median Income
$48,906
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$59,300
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.8%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$655
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How White Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population423
Median Age55.7 yrs
Density1,032/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$48,906
Per Capita$31,746
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$156M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$59,300
Rent$655
Ownership75.7%
Zillow$323,708
Housing Units207
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking16.1%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain23.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,645 ft (501 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.8%
High School+84.5%
Graduate+1.7%
School Score6.13
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute17 min
Broadband81.5%
Libraries2
Is White Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, White Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.6 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 below-average incomes. White Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in White Lake is $48,906, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in White Lake is $59,300, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $655 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
White Lake 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
9.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
White Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.9 inches, including 37.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
White Lake has a population of 423 with a density of 1,032 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 55.7 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The city is predominantly White (99.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.7yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
White Lake 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
White Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in White Lake is $48,906, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,746 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $805, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 102 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 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: White Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,906 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,746 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $805 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,306 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 102 |
| County GDP | $156M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in White Lake is $59,300, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,708, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $655 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 207 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $59,300 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $323,708 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $655 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.3% |
| Housing Units | 207 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
In White Lake, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. 3.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: White Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 30.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:1,391 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 69.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,790/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 3.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
White Lake has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: White Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
White Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 291 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 23.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.7 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 1,645 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.1°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,645 ft (501 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,032/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7283°N, 98.7120°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Aurora County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.9"
37% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively 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 Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 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 |
108 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
80 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
21 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
149 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
81 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
81 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
103 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
32 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
70 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
128 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
68 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
26 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
404 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 245 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
83 km |
6 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2015 |
EF2 |
81 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 |
67 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
54 km |
| 2011 |
HIGHWAY 47 |
1,800 |
71 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
BAD HORSE |
1,215 |
94 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
27 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
|
White Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 18°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in White Lake. 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 White Lake
What is the population of White Lake?
White Lake has a population of 423 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,032 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
Is White Lake expensive to live in?
White Lake 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 $48,906, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $59,300 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $655 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is White Lake safe?
White Lake 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in White Lake?
White Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.9 inches, with 37.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in White Lake?
The job market in White Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $805. There are 102 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in White Lake?
The median home value in White Lake is $59,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,708. For renters, the median monthly rent is $655. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.7%.
How are the schools in White Lake?
Schools in White Lake score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.8% of adults in White Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.5% have completed high school. 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is White Lake?
The obesity rate in White Lake is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 3.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in White Lake?
The average commute in White Lake is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of White Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of White Lake is 99.1% White, 0.9% Black or African American. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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