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Wood, SD

South Dakota · Mellette County

Wood is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 55. Residents earn $34,375 per year, which is 54% below the national average.

Data updated April 2026

2.0 /5.0
C Fair
55 Population 220/sq mi density
$34,375 Median Income $20,015 per capita
47°F Avg Temperature 291 sunny days/yr
176 Violent Crime/100K 847 property/100K
C
Overall
2.0 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.5 / 5.0
$34,375 median income, 0.0% unemployment
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
176 violent crimes/100K (54% below avg)
C
Education
2.5 / 5.0
18.6% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Wood, SD

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $34,375
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 176/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 18.6%
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 48.3%
50% higher than US avg
Unemployment 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 40.0%
223% higher than US avg

How Wood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population55
Median Age51.6 yrs
Density220/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 31%
Veterans43.0%

Economy

C+
Median Income$34,375
Per Capita$20,015
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty40.0%
County GDP$71M

Housing

Ownership45.2%
Zillow$180,256
Housing Units53
Rent Burden19.8%

Crime

F
Violent176/100K
Property847/100K

Health

Obesity48.3%
Smoking34.9%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease7.9%

Climate

Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.5 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation2,147 ft (654 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+18.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score3.74

Community

2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Broadband31.0%
EV Stations1

Is Wood a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Wood receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Wood has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Wood is $34,375, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 40.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.

Safety & Crime

Violent crime in Wood is below the national average at 176 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 847 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.

Education

18.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.

Climate & Weather

Wood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 23°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 20.5 inches, including 50.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.

Wood has a population of 55 with a density of 220 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 51.6 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60% female and 40% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (69.1%), with 30.9% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 43.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.5% have health insurance coverage.

Population

55
Total Population
220
People / sq mi
51.6yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
0.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 40%
Female 60%

Race & Ethnicity

Wood vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish 3.5%
74% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Wood vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Wood is $34,375, which is 54% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,015 (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). 40.0% 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. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Wood vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$34,375
54% below US avg
Per Capita Income$20,015
Avg Weekly Wage$709
IRS Avg AGI$41,545
Gini Index0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate40.0%
223% above US avg
Establishments (County)44
County GDP$71M

Business (County)

Restaurants4
Retail5

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living88.60 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,256. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 45.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 53 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. 19.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Zillow ZHVI$180,256

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Rent Burden19.8%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$691
1 Bedroom$784
2 Bedrooms$990
3 Bedrooms$1,295
4 Bedrooms$1,540

Ownership & Property

Homeownership45.2%
Owner-Occupied45.2%
Renter-Occupied54.8%
Housing Units53
Median Year Built1954

Property Tax

In Wood, 48.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 19.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 36.2% have high blood pressure. 34.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.8% report binge drinking. 37.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.9% experience frequent mental distress. The food environment index is 3.1 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Wood vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity48.3%
50% above US avg
Diabetes19.3%
Heart Disease7.9%
High Blood Pressure36.2%
Asthma15.8%
COPD11.8%
Cancer5.4%
Stroke5.4%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking34.9%
149% above US avg
Binge Drinking13.8%
Physical Inactivity37.3%
Depression24.6%
Mental Distress23.9%
Physical Distress20.5%
Short Sleep37.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate82.5%
Checkup Rate71.9%
Dental Visits49.5%
Premature Death32,895/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment3.1/10
Wood has a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 847 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. Overall, Wood receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Wood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent176.4/100K
54% below US avg

Property Crime

Total Property846.6/100K
57% below US avg

Traffic Safety

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Wood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 23°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 20.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 50.3 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 2,147 feet.

Temperature

23°F Jan (-5°C) 74°F Jul (23°C)
Annual Average47.4°F
12% below US avg
January Average23°F (-5°C)
July Average74°F (23°C)
Sunny Days291 days/yr

Geography

Elevation2,147 ft (654 m)
Area0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²)
Population Density220/sq mi
Coordinates43.4971°N, 100.4802°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyMellette County County
Nearest AirportPierre Regional (PIR)
62 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 20.5"
46% below US avg
Snowfall 50.3"
Wettest Month (May) 3.31"
Driest Month (Jan) 0.35"

Air Quality

AQI Median35.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score5.2 / 100
Social Vulnerability87.8 / 100
Community Resilience0.8 / 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

19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.

May 25, 2003 10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota M4.0 116 km
May 30, 2024 38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota M3.7 132 km
Aug 26, 1991 15 km SSE of Brownlee, Nebraska M3.4 149 km
Jan 25, 1994 8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska M3.3 101 km
Aug 9, 2011 2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota M3.3 93 km
Jun 18, 2015 15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska M3.3 84 km
Apr 11, 2016 11 km E of Brownlee, Nebraska M3.2 133 km
Aug 5, 2022 4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota M3.2 49 km
Feb 20, 1993 21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska M3.1 109 km
Jul 12, 1998 7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota M3.1 51 km
Feb 7, 2014 11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota M3.0 114 km
Jan 1, 2025 4 km S of Brownlee, Nebraska M3.0 139 km
Feb 1, 2006 6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska M2.9 128 km
Jul 3, 1995 9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota M2.8 97 km
Apr 4, 2024 19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota M2.8 137 km
Mar 20, 2010 9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska M2.7 86 km
Jul 7, 2024 11 km NNW of Merriman, Nebraska M2.6 115 km
Jun 16, 2021 15 km N of Quinn, South Dakota M2.6 147 km
Apr 27, 2025 9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota M2.5 105 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tornado History

237 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950. Strongest: EF5. Total: 32 injuries.

Date Rating Distance Fatalities
May 8, 1965 EF5 83 km 0
Jul 23, 1973 EF3 95 km 0
Jul 24, 1971 EF3 98 km 0
Jul 9, 1971 EF3 81 km 0
Jul 9, 1971 EF3 96 km 0
May 8, 1965 EF3 100 km 0
Jun 15, 1962 EF3 82 km 0
May 15, 1962 EF3 93 km 0
May 14, 1962 EF3 82 km 0
Jun 12, 2022 EF2 57 km 0
Jun 12, 2022 EF2 58 km 0
May 22, 2016 EF2 52 km 0
May 22, 2010 EF2 51 km 0
May 22, 2010 EF2 77 km 0
Jul 13, 2009 EF2 78 km 0
Jul 3, 2003 EF2 94 km 0
Jun 29, 1993 EF2 51 km 0
Jun 23, 1993 EF2 82 km 0
Jun 12, 1993 EF2 98 km 0
Aug 5, 1987 EF2 76 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 83 km
2012 LONGHORN COMPLEX 41,443 61 km
1988 LIGHTNING 18,426 54 km
2024 POWER DAM ROAD 15,047 34 km
2012 CROOKSTON 14,962 63 km
2011 OKREEK 11,115 17 km
1987 BIG FIRE 9,107 36 km
2021 DRY CREEK CA 8,123 58 km
2023 MCCANN 7,110 82 km
2017 WANBLEE TIMBER 4,982 86 km
1998 TNC 4,683 76 km
1991 YELLOWROBE 4,679 28 km
2012 TOWER 4,599 31 km
2006 THOMPSON COMPLEX 3,230 91 km
2022 WEST SF 3,126 51 km
2000 CLOVER 3,062 81 km
2002 LOOKING 2,981 53 km
2023 NENFR-HFR-FY23-RX-UNITS 35-36-39 2,936 72 km
1988 CROOKSTON 2,688 71 km
2021 WHIPPLE CAMP 2,643 59 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 23°F (-5°C) 0.4 in Coldest, Driest
February 27°F (-3°C) 0.6 in
March 35°F (2°C) 1.3 in
April 47°F (8°C) 2.1 in
May 58°F (15°C) 3.3 in Wettest
June 68°F (20°C) 3.0 in
July 74°F (23°C) 2.9 in Warmest
August 73°F (23°C) 1.7 in
September 63°F (17°C) 1.7 in
October 50°F (10°C) 1.4 in
November 35°F (1°C) 0.7 in
December 24°F (-4°C) 0.4 in

Wood has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 23°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.4").

View full weather details →
Wood is located in Mellette County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 18.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 45% below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical benchmarks. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 58.7% of the vote, a 20.1-point margin. 31.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). The area has 1 EV charging stations.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 58.7%
D 38.5%

Winner: Republican by 20.1 points

Safety & Disasters

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Education

Bachelor's Degree+18.6%
45% below US avg
High School+100.0%
Graduate Degree+6.7%
School Test Score3.74
C Education Grade (2.5/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density220/sq mi
Total Area0.3 sq mi
CountyMellette County County

Services

Broadband Access31.0%
Avg Download Speed22.2 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed7.9 Mbps
Max Download Speed1,000 Mbps
EV Charging Stations1
Alt Fuel Stations2
Restaurants4
Retail Stores5

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%
Average costs for common services in Wood. 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)

Top Industries in Mellette County

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Retail Trade 36 4 $17,988 1.10
Accommodation & Food Services 34 4 $10,907 1.14

Schools in Wood

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Wood Elementary - 05 (Charter) Elementary 0
View full schools details →

National Parks Near Wood

2 national parks and monuments found near Wood.

ParkTypeFee
Niobrara National Scenic River National Scenic River Free
Smith Falls State Park State Park Free

Libraries in Wood

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
SINTE GLESKA UNIVERSITY LIBRARYHIGHWAY 18 EAST, MAIN CAMPUS0.034,215

Cell Towers in Wood

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
US 18 (115207)GTOWER93
US 18 (115207)GTOWER93

Fire Stations in Wood

NameAddressTypeActive FirefightersVolunteersPhone
Wood Volunteer Fire Department1st & Main STVolunteer605-452-3222

Bridges in Wood

LocationTypeKindYear BuiltLength (ft)Daily TrafficCondition
CulvertConcrete continuous198125271F
CulvertConcrete continuous200424106G
SlabConcrete continuous198983106G

Airports Near Wood

11 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Miller FieldVTNMedium Airport
Anderson Aerial Spraying AirportSmall Airport
Juhnke AirportSmall Airport
Murdo Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Oller AirportSmall Airport
Presho Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Rosebud Sioux Tribal AirportSmall Airport
Springview Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Valburg Ranch AirportSmall Airport
White River Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Winner Regional AirportSmall Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Wood

2 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
ASSEMBLY OF GODPO BOX 428
ROSEBUD VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH26115 287TH AVE

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Frequently Asked Questions About Wood

What is the population of Wood?

Wood has a population of 55 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 220 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60% female and 40% male.

Is Wood expensive to live in?

Wood 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 $34,375, 54% below the national average of $75,149.

Is Wood safe?

Wood is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 847 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Wood?

Wood has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°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 20.5 inches, with 50.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.

How is the job market in Wood?

The job market in Wood 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.

How are the schools in Wood?

Schools in Wood have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.6% of adults in Wood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Wood?

The obesity rate in Wood is 48.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 34.9% of adults are smokers. 37.3% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression.

What are the demographics of Wood?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wood is 30.9% White, 69.1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 43.0% of the population are military veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability. 82.5% have health insurance coverage.

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