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Is South Sioux City a Good Place to Live? South Sioux City, Nebraska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
South Sioux City ranks #750 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #129 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (12.2 min, #15 of 234) and low living costs (86.5, #23 of 230), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
South Sioux City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with South Sioux City's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in South Sioux City?
South Sioux City's cost of living index is 86.5, 13% below the US level of 100 and #84 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,127/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $234,813, 16% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
| Measure | South Sioux City | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 86.5#84 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $234,813#210 of 1,187 | $280,673 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $174,700#159 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,127/mo#366 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.6x#65 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 19.8%#429 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
South Sioux City housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. South Sioux City is in the Sioux City, IA-NE-SD metro.
Nebraska housing market →Is South Sioux City safe?
South Sioux City recorded 166 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 328 and 24% below Nebraska's 218. That ranks #274 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #52 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by South Sioux City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,960 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | South Sioux City | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 166#274 of 1,085 | 218 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,960#699 of 1,085 | 1,379 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in South Sioux City?
The median household in South Sioux City earns $68,223, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Nebraska ($76,376). 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | South Sioux City | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $68,223#852 of 1,312 | $76,376 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 12.2%#666 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +1%#233 of 1,132 | +0.6% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in South Sioux City?
The median resident of South Sioux City is 30.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 15.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1257 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | South Sioux City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 30.5 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 15.5%#1257 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 55.9% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are South Sioux City's schools and health?
We have too few school records for South Sioux City to describe its public schools. 44.8% of adults are obese and 12.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | South Sioux City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 44.8%#1279 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 12.2%#822 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 14.6%#213 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 19.9%#1216 of 1,311 | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in South Sioux City?
The average commute in South Sioux City is 12.2 minutes (Nebraska 19.9); 0.8% of workers take transit and 4.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index South Sioux City scores 13.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #174 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.2°F and winters 22.9°F, with 29.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | South Sioux City | NebraskaNE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 12.2 min#17 of 1,312 | 19.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 0.5%#9 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 72.9% | 75.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.9% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 1.6% | 0.4% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 4.7% | 9.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 13.9#174 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nebraska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29.5 | 10.4 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 34.2 | 14.8 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 47.6 | 25.9 | 1.8 |
| Apr | 61.1 | 36.7 | 3.2 |
| May | 72.3 | 48.7 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 81.9 | 59.4 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 85 | 63.4 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 82.6 | 60.8 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 76.6 | 51.2 | 2.8 |
| Oct | 62.8 | 37.9 | 2.2 |
| Nov | 46.8 | 25 | 1.3 |
| Dec | 33.4 | 14.8 | 1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sioux City Airport.
| Measure | South Sioux City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 48.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 72.2°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 22.9°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 29.3 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sioux City Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in South Sioux City?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in South Sioux City's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dakota County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 63% of US counties.
| Measure | South Sioux City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.17%#820 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Dakota County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Dakota County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.027% | 96% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0015% | 86% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0085% | 83% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0069% | 77% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0048% | 74% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 72% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does South Sioux City compare with similar-size cities?
South Sioux City is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #129 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 13,907.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Sioux City, NEPop. 13,907 | #750 | 54.2 | $68,223 | $1,127/mo | 166 | 12.2 min |
| Star, IDPop. 14,745 | #375 | 60.5 | $97,936 | $1,924/mo | no data | 27.5 min |
| Ewa Beach, HIPop. 14,376 | #308 | 62.0 | $124,323 | $2,522/mo | no data | 38 min |
| Teays Valley, WVPop. 14,151 | #523 | 57.8 | $108,741 | $1,102/mo | no data | 24.1 min |
| Pierre, SDPop. 13,948 | #787 | 53.5 | $77,672 | $983/mo | 561 | 13.3 min |
| Hockessin, DEPop. 13,439 | #30 | 72.1 | $171,204 | $3,501/mo | no data | 23.2 min |
| Los Alamos, NMPop. 13,317 | #8 | 75.8 | $141,018 | $1,359/mo | part year | 12.4 min |
| Claremont, NHPop. 13,078 | #561 | 57.2 | $59,096 | $1,146/mo | 183 | 24.3 min |
| Valley Falls, RIPop. 12,657 | #515 | 57.9 | $92,901 | $1,362/mo | no data | 23.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does South Sioux City compare with the rest of Nebraska?
South Sioux City ranks #14 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 54.2 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 11% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 24% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical Nebraska home.
| City | Rank in NE | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Papillion, NEPop. 25,244 | #1 | 68.8 | $111,679 | $1,269/mo | 48 |
| Gretna, NEPop. 9,193 | #2 | 65.3 | $123,992 | $1,540/mo | no data |
| Bellevue, NEPop. 64,510 | #3 | 61.8 | $85,462 | $1,226/mo | 108 |
| La Vista, NEPop. 16,563 | #4 | 60.4 | $81,961 | $1,317/mo | 67 |
| Lincoln, NEPop. 294,856 | #5 | 60.2 | $71,867 | $1,086/mo | 427 |
| Norfolk, NEPop. 26,054 | #6 | 58.4 | $58,884 | $875/mo | 221 |
| Kearney, NEPop. 34,246 | #7 | 58.3 | $69,724 | $949/mo | 229 |
| Columbus, NEPop. 24,488 | #8 | 58.3 | $64,626 | $892/mo | 87 |
| Fremont, NEPop. 27,567 | #9 | 57.2 | $71,152 | $1,080/mo | 200 |
| Omaha, NEPop. 488,837 | #10 | 56.8 | $73,201 | $1,187/mo | 350 |
| Hastings, NEPop. 25,008 | #11 | 56.7 | $64,048 | $858/mo | 239 |
| Chalco, NEPop. 10,595 | #12 | 56.4 | $85,672 | $1,195/mo | no data |
| Gering, NEPop. 8,550 | #13 | 55.6 | $75,093 | $823/mo | 105 |
| South Sioux City, NEPop. 13,907 | #14 | 54.2 | $68,223 | $1,127/mo | 166 |
| Grand Island, NEPop. 52,884 | #15 | 53.8 | $63,795 | $947/mo | 386 |
| Lexington, NEPop. 10,862 | #16 | 53.6 | $67,666 | $966/mo | 79 |
| York, NEPop. 8,141 | #17 | 53.1 | $63,265 | $862/mo | 183 |
| Beatrice, NEPop. 12,225 | #18 | 51.5 | $57,264 | $758/mo | 73 |
| North Platte, NEPop. 22,831 | #19 | 51.0 | $58,097 | $921/mo | 116 |
| Scottsbluff, NEPop. 14,376 | #20 | 45.7 | $56,359 | $966/mo | 672 |
All 20 Nebraska cities we track, by overall score. Nebraska statewide: median income $76,376, violent crime 218.4 per 100,000.
How is South Sioux City's score calculated?
South Sioux City scores 54.2 out of 100, #750 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; education and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Nebraska's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in South Sioux City. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
28.9 - SafetyCity data · 15% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by South Sioux City's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
82.1 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in South Sioux City. Similar-size median 56.5.
43.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
South Sioux City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
84.6 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in South Sioux City. Similar-size median 50.8.
47.4 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in South Sioux City. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
42.9 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in South Sioux City. Similar-size median 48.3.
50.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across South Sioux City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
67.9 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
37.0 - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for South Sioux City.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: South Sioux City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories South Sioux City has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in South Sioux City
Is South Sioux City, NE a good place to live?
South Sioux City ranks #750 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #129 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in Nebraska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (12.2 min, #15 of 234) and low living costs (86.5, #23 of 230), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in South Sioux City?
South Sioux City's cost of living index is 86.5, 13% below the US level of 100 and #84 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,127/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $234,813, 16% below the typical Nebraska home ($280,673).
What is the crime rate in South Sioux City?
South Sioux City recorded 166 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 328 and 24% below Nebraska's 218. That ranks #274 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #52 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by South Sioux City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,960 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in South Sioux City?
The median household in South Sioux City earns $68,223, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Nebraska ($76,376). 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in South Sioux City?
Median rent in South Sioux City is $1,127/mo (Census), #366 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 19.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in South Sioux City?
The typical home value in South Sioux City is $234,813, up 5% in a year, against $280,673 for Nebraska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $174,700.
How are the public schools in South Sioux City?
We have too few school records for South Sioux City to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in South Sioux City?
The average commute is 12.2 minutes, #17 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.9 minutes across Nebraska. 0.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in South Sioux City?
South Sioux City averages 48.4°F over the year, 72.2°F in summer and 22.9°F in winter, with 29.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is South Sioux City walkable?
South Sioux City scores 13.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #174 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is South Sioux City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dakota County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 63% of US counties.
Who lives in South Sioux City?
South Sioux City has 13,907 residents. The median resident of South Sioux City is 30.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 15.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1257 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does South Sioux City compare with the rest of Nebraska?
South Sioux City ranks #14 of the 20 Nebraska cities we track, with a score of 54.2 against Nebraska's statewide 71.1. Its households earn 11% below the Nebraska median. Violent crime is 24% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical Nebraska home.
What cities are similar in size to South Sioux City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to South Sioux City's population of 13,907 are Star, ID (#375 overall), Ewa Beach, HI (#308 overall), Teays Valley, WV (#523 overall), Pierre, SD (#787 overall), and Hockessin, DE (#30 overall). South Sioux City is #750.