Median Income
$80,625
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$59,800
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.2%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,067
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.0%
43% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.5%
90% higher than US avg
How White River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population712
Median Age27.9 yrs
Density1,369/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 32%
Veterans3.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$80,625
Per Capita$20,076
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty23.5%
County GDP$71M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$59,800
Rent$1,067
Ownership53.8%
Zillow$300,384
Housing Units243
Rent Burden18.3%
Health
Obesity46.0%
Uninsured31.8%
Smoking31.4%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease9.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
Rain20.4 in/yr
Elevation2,138 ft (652 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.2%
High School+83.7%
Graduate+0.8%
School Score3.74
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute18 min
Broadband89.4%
EV Stations1
Is White River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, White River receives an overall livability score of 3.7 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, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. White River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in White River is $80,625, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 23.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in White River is $59,800, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,067 per month. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
White River experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.4 inches, including 40.0 inches of snow.
White River has a population of 712 with a density of 1,369 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 27.9 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (31.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.8% of residents, while 8.5% speak Spanish. 3.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 68.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
712
Total Population
2023 Census
27.9yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
White River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.8%
14% above US avg
Spanish
8.5%
37% below US avg
Social Characteristics
White River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in White River is $80,625, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,076 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $709, 50% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 23.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 44 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: White River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,625 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,076 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $709 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,545 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.5% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 44 |
| County GDP | $71M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in White River is $59,800, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,384, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,067 (8% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 53.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 243 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. 18.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $59,800 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $300,384 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,067 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 53.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.2% |
| Housing Units | 243 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
In White River, 46.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.3% of residents, above the national average. 38.4% have high blood pressure. 31.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.2% report binge drinking. 37.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.0% experience frequent mental distress. 31.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The food environment index is 3.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: White River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.1% |
| Heart Disease | 9.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.4% |
| Asthma | 13.4% |
| COPD | 12.1% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 5.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 31.4% |
| 124% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.6% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 19.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 68.2% |
| Uninsured | 31.8% |
| 270% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 45.6% |
| Premature Death | 32,895/100K |
Food & Exercise
White River experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 40.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 2,138 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,138 ft (652 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,369/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5671°N, 100.7449°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mellette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR)
61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.4"
46% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.46"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 87.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
20 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
145 km |
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
100 km |
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
125 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
116 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
90 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
94 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
46 km |
| Apr 11, 2016 |
11 km E of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
30 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
100 km |
| Jan 1, 2025 |
4 km S of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
148 km |
| Apr 4, 2024 |
19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
107 km |
| Jul 7, 2024 |
11 km NNW of Merriman, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
101 km |
| Jun 16, 2021 |
15 km N of Quinn, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
125 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
238 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 22 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 23, 1973 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 2003 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1993 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1987 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1979 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1977 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1974 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: REGION 24 COMPLEX (66,349 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
REGION 24 COMPLEX |
66,349 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
COTTONWOOD CA |
41,775 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
LONGHORN COMPLEX |
41,443 |
52 km |
| 1988 |
LIGHTNING |
18,426 |
45 km |
| 2024 |
POWER DAM ROAD |
15,047 |
14 km |
| 2012 |
CROOKSTON |
14,962 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
OKREEK |
11,115 |
37 km |
| 1987 |
BIG FIRE |
9,107 |
29 km |
| 2021 |
DRY CREEK CA |
8,123 |
42 km |
| 2023 |
MCCANN |
7,110 |
82 km |
| 2017 |
WANBLEE TIMBER |
4,982 |
64 km |
| 1998 |
TNC |
4,683 |
91 km |
| 1991 |
YELLOWROBE |
4,679 |
21 km |
| 2012 |
TOWER |
4,599 |
8 km |
| 2006 |
THOMPSON COMPLEX |
3,230 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
WEST SF |
3,126 |
46 km |
| 2000 |
CLOVER |
3,062 |
89 km |
| 2002 |
LOOKING |
2,981 |
48 km |
| 2023 |
NENFR-HFR-FY23-RX-UNITS 35-36-39 |
2,936 |
84 km |
| 1988 |
CROOKSTON |
2,688 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
White River has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 24°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in White River. 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 River
What is the population of White River?
White River has a population of 712 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,369 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is White River expensive to live in?
White River 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 $80,625, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $59,800 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,067 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in White River?
White River has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 20.4 inches, with 40.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in White River?
The job market in White River is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $709. There are 44 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in White River?
The median home value in White River is $59,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,384. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,067. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 53.8%.
How are the schools in White River?
Schools in White River have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.2% of adults in White River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. 0.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is White River?
The obesity rate in White River is 46.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 31.4% of adults are smokers. 37.6% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 31.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in White River?
The average commute in White River is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of White River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of White River is 31.9% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 89.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.5% speak Spanish. 3.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.7% of residents have a disability. 68.2% have health insurance coverage.