Median Income
$56,833
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,000
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
386/100K
1% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.4%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$713
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How Wolsey Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population666
Median Age35.0 yrs
Density293/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$56,833
Per Capita$29,708
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$1,236M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,000
Rent$713
Ownership72.0%
Zillow$169,362
Housing Units273
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent386/100K
Property2,427/100K
Health
Obesity35.2%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking16.5%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain23.3 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,342 ft (409 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.4%
High School+76.7%
Graduate+6.2%
School Score5.04
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute17 min
Broadband83.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Wolsey a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wolsey receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Wolsey offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wolsey is $56,833, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.3% 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 Wolsey is $88,000, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 386 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,427 per 100,000, 24% above the national average.
Education
20.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Wolsey experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.3 inches, including 44.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Wolsey has a population of 666 with a density of 293 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 35.0 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.7% of residents, while 9.3% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 7.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.0yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.7%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.3%
31% below US avg
The median household income in Wolsey is $56,833, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,708 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $971, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 690 business establishments, including 44 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). 1.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,833 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,708 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $971 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,903 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 690 |
| County GDP | $1,236M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 60 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,541 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.6% |
The median home value in Wolsey is $88,000, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,362, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $713 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 273 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $4,541 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $88,000 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,362 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $713 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.0% |
| Housing Units | 273 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,541 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.16% |
In Wolsey, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 23.0% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,125. The dentist ratio is 1:2,153. 80.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wolsey vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,125 |
| Dentists | 1:2,153 |
| Mental Health | 1:370 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 69.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,497/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
Wolsey has a violent crime rate of 386 per 100,000 residents, 1% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,427 per 100,000, 24% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wolsey receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wolsey vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 385.6/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,427.2/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wolsey experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 276 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 23.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 44.4 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 1,342 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,342 ft (409 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 293/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4108°N, 98.4739°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Beadle County County |
| Nearest Airport | Huron Regional (HON)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.3"
39% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
69 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
21 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
102 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
94 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
143 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
72 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
404 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 228 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
97 km |
6 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
53 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HOLIDAY (2,936 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
73 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
43 km |
| 2011 |
HIGHWAY 47 |
1,800 |
93 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
7 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Wolsey has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 16°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Wolsey. 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 Wolsey
What is the population of Wolsey?
Wolsey has a population of 666 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 293 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Wolsey expensive to live in?
Wolsey 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 $56,833, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,000 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wolsey safe?
The violent crime rate in Wolsey is 386 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,427 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wolsey receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wolsey?
Wolsey has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.3 inches, with 44.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Wolsey?
The job market in Wolsey is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $971. There are 690 business establishments in the area, including 44 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 1.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wolsey?
The median home value in Wolsey is $88,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,362. For renters, the median monthly rent is $713. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,541.
How are the schools in Wolsey?
Schools in Wolsey score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.4% of adults in Wolsey hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.7% have completed high school. 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wolsey?
The obesity rate in Wolsey is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 80.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,125.
What is transportation like in Wolsey?
The average commute in Wolsey is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wolsey?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wolsey is 97.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 90.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.3% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 7.0% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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