Median Income
$69,071
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$202,300
28% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
274/100K
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.2%
10% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$780
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Yankton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population15,501
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density1,774/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans9.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,071
Per Capita$40,677
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$562M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$202,300
Rent$780
Ownership66.6%
Zillow$276,337
Housing Units7,065
Rent Burden23.4%
Crime
F
Violent274/100K
Property1,988/100K
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking14.9%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
Rain28.7 in/yr
Elevation1,249 ft (381 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.2%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+10.6%
School Score5.91
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Commute12 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Yankton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Yankton receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Yankton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Yankton is $69,071, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Yankton is $202,300, 28% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $780 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Yankton is below the national average at 274 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,988 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
30.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Yankton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 28.7 inches, including 38.1 inches of snow.
Yankton has a population of 15,501 with a density of 1,774 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (87.1%), with 6% Hispanic, 2.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.2% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
15,501
Total Population
2023 Census
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.2%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.9%
56% below US avg
The median household income in Yankton is $69,071, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,677. The average weekly wage is $857, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 342 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,071 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,677 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $857 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,007 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 342 |
| County GDP | $562M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,860 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 1.7% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Yankton is $202,300, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $276,337, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $245,000 with homes selling in an average of 101 days. Homes sell for 95.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $780 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $811 for a one-bedroom to $929 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 7,065 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $2,860 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $202,300 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $276,337 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $245,000 |
| Median List Price | $271,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $245,000 |
| Median List Price | $271,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $111 |
| Homes Sold | 15 |
| Days on Market | 101 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.9% |
| Price Drops | 8.3% |
| Inventory | 36 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $780 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $641 |
| 1 Bedroom | $811 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $929 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,292 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,438 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.4% |
| Housing Units | 7,065 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,860 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.41% |
In Yankton, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,330. The dentist ratio is 1:2,790. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-23)
PM2.5
0.9
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
1.0
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
0.9
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.1
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
122.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Yankton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 30.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:8,330 |
| Dentists | 1:2,790 |
| Mental Health | 1:8,262 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 67.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,345/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Yankton has a violent crime rate of 274 per 100,000 residents, 28% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,988 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Yankton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Yankton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 273.9/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,987.5/100K |
| 1% 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 |
Yankton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 28.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 38.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,249 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.7°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,249 ft (381 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,774/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8898°N, 97.3927°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cedar County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.7"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.03"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
123 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
110 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
133 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
44 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
123 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
42 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
107 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
127 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
36 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
607 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 345 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
98 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
34 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1967 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KAYLKOWSKI (1,966 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
41 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Yankton has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 20°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Yankton. 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 | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Yankton
What is the population of Yankton?
Yankton has a population of 15,501 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,774 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Yankton expensive to live in?
Yankton 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 $69,071, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $202,300 (28% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $780 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Yankton safe?
Yankton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 274 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,988 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Yankton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Yankton?
Yankton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 28.7 inches, with 38.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Yankton?
The job market in Yankton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $857. There are 342 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Yankton?
The median home value in Yankton is $202,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $276,337. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $245,000, with homes typically selling within 101 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $780. Fair market rent is $811 for a 1-bedroom and $929 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,860.
How are the schools in Yankton?
Schools in Yankton score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.2% of adults in Yankton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 10.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Yankton?
The obesity rate in Yankton is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,330.
What is transportation like in Yankton?
The average commute in Yankton is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, 1.7% use public transit, and 4.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Yankton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Yankton is 87.1% White, 2.1% Black or African American, 6% Hispanic or Latino. 94.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.