South Dakota
Willow Lake is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 455. Residents earn $63,929 per year, which is 15% below the national average.
Based on current data, Willow Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Willow Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Willow Lake is $63,929, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Willow Lake is $150,000, 47% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
16.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Willow Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
| English Only | 84.8% |
| 8% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 15.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $63,929 |
| 15% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $15,916 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $899 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,140 |
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 188 |
| County GDP | $337M |
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 14 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |
| Census Median | $150,000 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Census Median Rent | $810 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.4% |
| Obesity | 34.2% |
| 7% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Insurance Rate | 91.7% |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Premature Death | 4,614/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Annual Average | 43.1°F |
| 20% below US avg | |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 24.4 inches |
| 36% below US avg |
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,778 ft (542 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,230/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.6279°N, 97.6381°W |
| County FIPS | 46025 |
Winner: Republican by 52.5 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 16.2% |
| 52% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 86.7% |
| School Test Score | 5.45 |
| RUCC Code 9 | Nonmetro — Rural |
| Population Density | 1,230/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.4 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 99.0% |
| Public Libraries | 1 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Retail Stores | 14 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Commute | 18.9 min |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |