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
51.6yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
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
| Median HH Income | $34,375 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,015 |
| 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 | 40.0% |
| 223% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 44 |
| County GDP | $71M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
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.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 45.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 45.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 54.8% |
| Housing Units | 53 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
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
| Obesity | 48.3% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 19.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.2% |
| Asthma | 15.8% |
| COPD | 11.8% |
| Cancer | 5.4% |
| Stroke | 5.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 34.9% |
| 149% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.3% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 23.9% |
| Physical Distress | 20.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.5% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 49.5% |
| Premature Death | 32,895/100K |
Food & Exercise
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 Violent | 176.4/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 846.6/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
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 Average | 47.4°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,147 ft (654 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 220/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4971°N, 100.4802°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mellette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR) 62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.5"
46% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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
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").
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)
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.