South DakotaPop. 28,189Small cities
Is Aberdeen a Good Place to Live? Aberdeen, South Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Aberdeen ranks #415 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #81 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.1%, #1 of 184) and low rents ($762/mo, #1 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Aberdeen by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Aberdeen'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 Aberdeen?
Aberdeen's cost of living index is 86.7, 13% below the US level of 100 and #87 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $762/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $243,866, 24% below the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
| Measure | Aberdeen | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 86.7#87 of 1,308 | 88.6 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $243,866#227 of 1,187 | $321,574 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,097/mo#53 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $217,300#286 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $762/mo#12 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 14.2%#34 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). South Dakota 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.
Aberdeen 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. Aberdeen is in the Aberdeen, SD metro.
South Dakota housing market →Is Aberdeen safe?
Aberdeen recorded 425 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 328 and 38% above South Dakota's 308. That ranks #756 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #125 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Aberdeen Police Department. Property crime runs 1,321 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Aberdeen | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 425#756 of 1,085 | 308 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,321#368 of 1,085 | 1,312 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). South Dakota 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 Aberdeen?
The median household in Aberdeen earns $64,405, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below South Dakota ($76,881). Unemployment is 2.1% (US 4.3%). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Aberdeen | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $64,405#942 of 1,312 | $76,881 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.1%#4 of 1,058 | 2.1% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 13.8%#789 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). South Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Aberdeen?
The median resident of Aberdeen is 36.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 35% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #608 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Aberdeen | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 36.4 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 35%#608 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 61.7% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Aberdeen's schools and health?
Aberdeen's 9 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 14.4 students per teacher and $10,673 spent per pupil. 34.9% of adults are obese and 10.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Aberdeen | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 82.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.4#362 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $10,673#1098 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 34.9%#764 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.7%#555 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 15.4%#313 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 8.7%#476 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). South Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,257 students are enrolled in Aberdeen's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Aberdeen?
The average commute in Aberdeen is 11.9 minutes (South Dakota 18.5); 0.7% of workers take transit and 5.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Aberdeen scores 8.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.8°F and winters 14.7°F, with 22.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Aberdeen | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 11.9 min#13 of 1,312 | 18.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2%#55 of 1,312 | 4.4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 79% | 78.1% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3% | 3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 5.4% | 8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.9#851 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). South Dakota 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 | 20.7 | 1.6 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 25.2 | 6.2 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 38.9 | 18.9 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 54.3 | 31.6 | 1.9 |
| May | 67.7 | 44.5 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 77.5 | 55.2 | 3.7 |
| Jul | 82.7 | 59.6 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 80.7 | 57.1 | 2.4 |
| Sep | 72.3 | 47.6 | 2.2 |
| Oct | 57.1 | 33.5 | 2.1 |
| Nov | 39.7 | 19.6 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 26.1 | 8.1 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Aberdeen 3 E.
| Measure | Aberdeen | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 42.8°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 68.8°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 14.7°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 22.4 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Aberdeen 3 E.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Aberdeen?
Brown County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Brown County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, strong wind, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 74% of US counties.
| Measure | Aberdeen | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 27#46 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 6#761 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#381 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Brown County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Brown County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0045% | 99% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0061% | 81% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0027% | 80% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0027% | 70% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0042% | 66% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.013% | 66% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.072% | 38% 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 Aberdeen compare with similar-size cities?
Aberdeen is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #81 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 28,189.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SDPop. 28,189 | #415 | 59.8 | $64,405 | $762/mo | 425 | 11.9 min |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #608 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 | 14.9 min |
| Frankfort, KYPop. 28,503 | #774 | 53.8 | $53,073 | $944/mo | 238 | 17 min |
| Laplace, LAPop. 28,343 | #1222 | 44.1 | $69,030 | $1,351/mo | no data | 32.9 min |
| Kahului, HIPop. 28,288 | #692 | 55.1 | $98,077 | $1,488/mo | no data | 22.8 min |
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #1296 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year | 18.8 min |
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #380 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 | 17.6 min |
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #613 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 | 14 min |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #761 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 | 17.2 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 Aberdeen compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Aberdeen ranks #6 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 59.8 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 16% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 38% above the statewide rate. Homes are 24% below the typical South Dakota home.
| City | Rank in SD | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon, SDPop. 10,996 | #1 | 70.0 | $110,806 | $976/mo | 46 |
| Tea, SDPop. 6,786 | #2 | 69.8 | $120,139 | $1,220/mo | 169 |
| Dakota Dunes, SDPop. 3,936 | #3 | 68.7 | $136,125 | $1,225/mo | no data |
| Harrisburg, SDPop. 8,519 | #4 | 62.7 | $108,724 | $1,362/mo | no data |
| Sioux Falls, SDPop. 201,469 | #5 | 61.9 | $75,970 | $1,035/mo | 364 |
| Aberdeen, SDPop. 28,189 | #6 | 59.8 | $64,405 | $762/mo | 425 |
| Brookings, SDPop. 23,948 | #7 | 56.9 | $63,493 | $889/mo | 113 |
| Watertown, SDPop. 23,044 | #8 | 55.7 | $69,600 | $942/mo | 181 |
| Madison, SDPop. 6,094 | #9 | 55.7 | $65,593 | $981/mo | 99 |
| Spearfish, SDPop. 12,930 | #10 | 55.1 | $65,688 | $963/mo | 232 |
| Rapid Valley, SDPop. 6,975 | #11 | 54.8 | $83,208 | $1,174/mo | no data |
| Yankton, SDPop. 15,540 | #12 | 53.9 | $67,804 | $790/mo | 191 |
| Pierre, SDPop. 13,948 | #13 | 53.5 | $77,672 | $983/mo | 561 |
| Mitchell, SDPop. 15,649 | #14 | 52.8 | $58,620 | $851/mo | 288 |
| Box Elder, SDPop. 12,902 | #15 | 52.7 | $73,008 | $1,491/mo | 312 |
| Rapid City, SDPop. 77,946 | #16 | 52.1 | $70,870 | $1,109/mo | 767 |
| Huron, SDPop. 14,385 | #17 | 49.4 | $61,452 | $888/mo | 281 |
| Belle Fourche, SDPop. 5,804 | #18 | 49.1 | $65,071 | $983/mo | 254 |
| Vermillion, SDPop. 11,878 | #19 | 48.4 | $50,456 | $764/mo | 185 |
| Sturgis, SDPop. 7,086 | #20 | 47.6 | $54,404 | $780/mo | 329 |
All 20 South Dakota cities we track, by overall score. South Dakota statewide: median income $76,881, violent crime 307.5 per 100,000.
How is Aberdeen's score calculated?
Aberdeen scores 59.8 out of 100, #415 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with South Dakota'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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Aberdeen. Similar-size median 52.9.
59.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Aberdeen's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
70.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Aberdeen. Similar-size median 52.2.
57.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Aberdeen's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
57.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Aberdeen's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
87.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Aberdeen. Similar-size median 46.7.
42.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Aberdeen. Similar-size median 44.2.
45.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Aberdeen. Similar-size median 47.3.
50.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Aberdeen's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
41.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
79.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Aberdeen's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen
Is Aberdeen, SD a good place to live?
Aberdeen ranks #415 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #81 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.1%, #1 of 184) and low rents ($762/mo, #1 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Aberdeen?
Aberdeen's cost of living index is 86.7, 13% below the US level of 100 and #87 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $762/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $243,866, 24% below the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
What is the crime rate in Aberdeen?
Aberdeen recorded 425 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 328 and 38% above South Dakota's 308. That ranks #756 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #125 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Aberdeen Police Department. Property crime runs 1,321 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Aberdeen?
The median household in Aberdeen earns $64,405, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below South Dakota ($76,881). Unemployment is 2.1% (US 4.3%). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Aberdeen?
Median rent in Aberdeen is $762/mo (Census), #12 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,097/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 14.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Aberdeen?
The typical home value in Aberdeen is $243,866, up 6.1% in a year, against $321,574 for South Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $217,300.
How are the public schools in Aberdeen?
Aberdeen's 9 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 14.4 students per teacher and $10,673 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Aberdeen?
The average commute is 11.9 minutes, #13 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 18.5 minutes across South Dakota. 2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Aberdeen?
Aberdeen averages 42.8°F over the year, 68.8°F in summer and 14.7°F in winter, with 22.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Aberdeen walkable?
Aberdeen scores 8.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #851 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 Aberdeen at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Brown County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, strong wind, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 74% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Aberdeen?
Brown County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Aberdeen?
Aberdeen has 28,189 residents. The median resident of Aberdeen is 36.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 35% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #608 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Aberdeen compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Aberdeen ranks #6 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 59.8 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 16% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 38% above the statewide rate. Homes are 24% below the typical South Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Aberdeen?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Aberdeen's population of 28,189 are Kalispell, MT (#608 overall), Frankfort, KY (#774 overall), Laplace, LA (#1222 overall), Kahului, HI (#692 overall), and Greenville, MS (#1296 overall). Aberdeen is #415.