Median Income
$63,214
16% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$603
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.6%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
28.6%
694% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
46.9%
278% higher than US avg
How Whitehorse Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population127
Median Age29.1 yrs
Density46/mi²
Male / Female58% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans89.0%
Economy
D
Median Income$63,214
Per Capita$13,419
Unemployment28.6%
Poverty46.9%
County GDP$271M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Rent$603
Ownership20.6%
Zillow$128,018
Housing Units39
Rent Burden13.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property368/100K
Health
Obesity43.6%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking29.7%
Depression18.7%
Heart Disease8.8%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain19.4 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation1,705 ft (520 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+69.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.74
Community
2024 VoteR 42% / D 55%
Commute28 min
Broadband34.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Whitehorse a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Whitehorse receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Whitehorse offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Whitehorse is $63,214, 16% below the national average of $75,149. At 28.6%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 46.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $603 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Whitehorse 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 368 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.6% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Whitehorse has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.4 inches, including 41.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Whitehorse has a population of 127 with a density of 46 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 29.1 years, 25% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.5% female and 57.5% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.1% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 89.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 2.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 27.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.1yrs
Median Age
25% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Whitehorse vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.1%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.9%
56% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Whitehorse vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Whitehorse is $63,214, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,419 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $982, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 28.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 46.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 156 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Whitehorse vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,214 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,419 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $982 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,713 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 28.6% |
| 694% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 46.9% |
| 278% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 156 |
| County GDP | $271M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $128,018. Monthly rent averages $603 (48% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 20.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 39 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. 13.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $603 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 20.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 20.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 79.4% |
| Housing Units | 39 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
In Whitehorse, 43.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 19.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.8% of residents, above the national average. 39.5% have high blood pressure. 29.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.5% report binge drinking. 34.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.7% report depression. 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,246. The dentist ratio is 1:1,713. 54.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Whitehorse vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.6% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 19.3% |
| Heart Disease | 8.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.5% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 5.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 29.7% |
| 112% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.7% |
| Depression | 18.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 17.3% |
| Short Sleep | 38.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 27.9% |
| Uninsured | 13.1% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,246 |
| Dentists | 1:1,713 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,302 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Dental Visits | 47.0% |
| Premature Death | 41,916/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Whitehorse has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 368 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Whitehorse receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Whitehorse vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 368.5/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Whitehorse has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 311 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 19.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.2 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 1,705 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,705 ft (520 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 46/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.2746°N, 100.9012°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dewey County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR) 69 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.4"
49% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.11"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on May 30, 2024.
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
71 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
113 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
88 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
181 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1970 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1969 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1965 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TENBROOK (30,588 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
TENBROOK |
30,588 |
97 km |
| 2002 |
LAPLANTE |
14,777 |
19 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,487 |
32 km |
| 2000 |
GENO H. |
10,423 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
STONE MAN CHURCH |
10,389 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
TRIBLE |
9,718 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
LUND |
9,425 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
HOUCK RANCH |
8,746 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
BLACK HORSE CREEK |
8,000 |
96 km |
| 1999 |
BULLHEAD |
5,606 |
52 km |
| 2022 |
HWY31 AND 101ST WEST |
4,879 |
88 km |
| 2000 |
JENSEN |
4,739 |
60 km |
| 2000 |
HAYES |
4,627 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
BENT RIM |
3,665 |
50 km |
| 2006 |
B WARD 1 |
3,325 |
45 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE BEND |
2,789 |
56 km |
| 2006 |
1804 |
2,778 |
55 km |
| 2000 |
PASTURE 9 BURN |
2,768 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
MOUND CITY |
2,755 |
78 km |
| 2012 |
MCINTOSH |
2,653 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Whitehorse has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Whitehorse. 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 Whitehorse
What is the population of Whitehorse?
Whitehorse has a population of 127 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 46 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.5% female and 57.5% male.
Is Whitehorse expensive to live in?
Whitehorse 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 $63,214, 16% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $603 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Whitehorse safe?
Whitehorse 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 368 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Whitehorse receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Whitehorse?
Whitehorse has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.4 inches, with 41.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Whitehorse?
The job market in Whitehorse faces challenges, with unemployment at 28.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $982. There are 156 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Whitehorse?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $603. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 20.6%.
How are the schools in Whitehorse?
Schools in Whitehorse have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Whitehorse hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Whitehorse?
The obesity rate in Whitehorse is 43.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 29.7% of adults are smokers. 34.7% are physically inactive. 18.7% of residents report depression. 13.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,246.
What is transportation like in Whitehorse?
The average commute in Whitehorse is 28 minutes. 83.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Whitehorse?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Whitehorse is 100% Hispanic or Latino. 94.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 89.0% of the population are military veterans. 2.0% of residents have a disability. 27.9% have health insurance coverage.