Median Income
$73,080
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,400
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
386/100K
1% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.3%
75% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.5%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
79% lower than US avg
How Yale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population211
Median Age38.7 yrs
Density1,407/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans4.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$73,080
Per Capita$32,462
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.6%
County GDP$370M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,400
Ownership83.5%
Zillow$169,362
Housing Units119
Rent Burden26.9%
Crime
F
Violent386/100K
Property2,427/100K
Health
Obesity33.5%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking14.5%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.9 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,338 ft (408 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.3%
High School+82.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.83
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute24 min
Broadband97.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Yale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Yale receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Yale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Yale is $73,080, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Yale is $125,400, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.7x 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
8.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Yale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.9 inches, including 41.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Yale has a population of 211 with a density of 1,407 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 38.7 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (87.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.3% of residents, while 16.7% speak Spanish. 4.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 85.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.7yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.3%
6% above US avg
Spanish
16.7%
25% above US avg
The median household income in Yale is $73,080, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,462 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $920, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 265 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,080 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,462 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $920 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,392 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 265 |
| County GDP | $370M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,767 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 57.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Yale is $125,400, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,362, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 119 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,767 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,400 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,362 |
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 | 83.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.5% |
| Housing Units | 119 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,767 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.80% |
In Yale, 33.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,596. The dentist ratio is 1:1,324. 25.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Yale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,596 |
| Dentists | 1:1,324 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 69.7% |
| Premature Death | 4,945/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 25.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Yale 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 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Yale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Yale 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) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Yale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°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 25.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.4 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 1,338 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,338 ft (408 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,407/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4335°N, 97.9879°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kingsbury County County |
| Nearest Airport | Huron Regional (HON)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.9"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 16, 2022.
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
81 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
20 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
81 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
439 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 236 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
80 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GANN VALLEY (2,534 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
79 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
33 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Yale has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 21.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Yale. 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 Yale
What is the population of Yale?
Yale has a population of 211 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,407 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.7 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Yale expensive to live in?
Yale 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 $73,080, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,400 (56% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Yale safe?
The violent crime rate in Yale 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, Yale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Yale?
Yale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.9 inches, with 41.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Yale?
The job market in Yale is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $920. There are 265 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Yale?
The median home value in Yale is $125,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,362. The homeownership rate is 83.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,767.
How are the schools in Yale?
Schools in Yale score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.3% of adults in Yale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Yale?
The obesity rate in Yale is 33.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 25.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,596.
What is transportation like in Yale?
The average commute in Yale is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 57.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Yale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Yale is 87.7% White. 83.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 16.7% speak Spanish. 4.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 85.5% have health insurance coverage.
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