South DakotaPop. 5,804Towns
Is Belle Fourche a Good Place to Live? Belle Fourche, South Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Belle Fourche ranks #1045 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #184 of 234 towns and #18 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.7, #25 of 230), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.2%, #144 of 151) and long commutes (25.8 min, #181 of 234).
Belle Fourche by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Belle Fourche'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 Belle Fourche?
Belle Fourche'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 $983/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $339,748, 6% above the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
| Measure | Belle Fourche | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 86.7#87 of 1,308 | 88.6 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $339,748#495 of 1,187 | $321,574 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $222,500#300 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $983/mo#197 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 18.1%#257 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). 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.
Belle Fourche 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 Dakota housing market →Is Belle Fourche safe?
Belle Fourche recorded 254 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% below the US rate of 328 and 17% below South Dakota's 308. That ranks #468 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #82 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Belle Fourche Police Department. Property crime runs 779 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Belle Fourche | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 254#468 of 1,085 | 308 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 779#124 of 1,085 | 1,312 | 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). 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 Belle Fourche?
The median household in Belle Fourche earns $65,071, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below South Dakota ($76,881). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Belle Fourche | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $65,071#921 of 1,312 | $76,881 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 10.6%#545 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -1.2%#1103 of 1,132 | +0.9% | 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). South Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Belle Fourche?
The median resident of Belle Fourche is 38.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 17.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1228 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Belle Fourche | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 38.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 17.1%#1228 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 65.5% | 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 Belle Fourche's schools and health?
Belle Fourche's 4 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $10,737 spent per pupil. 35.6% of adults are obese and 12.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Belle Fourche | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 82%#809 of 1,063 | 82.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 13.1#178 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $10,737#1090 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 35.6%#822 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% | 16.3%#477 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 10.3%#691 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). South Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 1,261 students are enrolled in Belle Fourche's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Belle Fourche?
The average commute in Belle Fourche is 25.8 minutes (South Dakota 18.5); 0.5% of workers take transit and 4.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Belle Fourche scores 9.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #791 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.6°F and winters 25.9°F, with 18 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Belle Fourche | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 25.8 min#837 of 1,312 | 18.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 7.8%#903 of 1,312 | 4.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 78.4% | 78.1% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1% | 3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 4.3% | 8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.2#791 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). 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 | 36.5 | 12.9 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 39.1 | 15.1 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 49.7 | 23.9 | 1.2 |
| Apr | 59 | 32.8 | 2.1 |
| May | 68.5 | 43.5 | 3 |
| Jun | 79.3 | 53.7 | 3 |
| Jul | 87.3 | 59.7 | 2 |
| Aug | 86.6 | 56.8 | 1.5 |
| Sep | 77.8 | 46.5 | 1.3 |
| Oct | 62.2 | 35 | 1.7 |
| Nov | 47.5 | 23.6 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 37.1 | 14.9 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Belle Fourche.
| Measure | Belle Fourche | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 47.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 70.6°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 25.9°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 18 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 Belle Fourche.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Belle Fourche?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Belle Fourche's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Butte County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 76% of US counties.
| Measure | Belle Fourche | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.21%#965 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 Butte County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Butte County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0042% | 98% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.031% | 93% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 86% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0096% | 84% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0044% | 71% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0019% | 40% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0055% | 39% 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 Belle Fourche compare with similar-size cities?
Belle Fourche is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #184 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 5,804.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belle Fourche, SDPop. 5,804 | #1045 | 49.1 | $65,071 | $983/mo | 254 | 25.8 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 min |
| Elsmere, DEPop. 6,203 | #971 | 50.6 | $67,944 | $1,339/mo | 144 | 24.4 min |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #1094 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 | 12.7 min |
| Watford City, NDPop. 6,039 | #333 | 61.3 | $102,260 | $1,336/mo | 387 | 20.8 min |
| Ranchettes, WYPop. 5,949 | #180 | 65.0 | $121,445 | $831/mo | no data | 18.7 min |
| Chena Ridge, AKPop. 5,881 | #186 | 64.9 | $133,775 | $1,110/mo | no data | 20.9 min |
| St. Johnsbury, VTPop. 5,859 | #334 | 61.3 | $53,711 | $912/mo | 203 | 19.2 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 Belle Fourche compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Belle Fourche ranks #18 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 49.1 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 15% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 17% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above 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 Belle Fourche's score calculated?
Belle Fourche scores 49.1 out of 100, #1045 of 1,312 (grade C, 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, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Belle Fourche. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
26.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Belle Fourche's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
85.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Belle Fourche. Similar-size median 56.5.
52.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Belle Fourche's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
51.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Belle Fourche's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
84.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Belle Fourche. Similar-size median 50.8.
49.0 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Belle Fourche. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
11.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Belle Fourche. Similar-size median 48.3.
35.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Belle Fourche's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
43.2 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% 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.
24.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Belle Fourche'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 Belle Fourche 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 Belle Fourche
Is Belle Fourche, SD a good place to live?
Belle Fourche ranks #1045 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #184 of 234 towns and #18 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.7, #25 of 230), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.2%, #144 of 151) and long commutes (25.8 min, #181 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Belle Fourche?
Belle Fourche'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 $983/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $339,748, 6% above the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
What is the crime rate in Belle Fourche?
Belle Fourche recorded 254 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% below the US rate of 328 and 17% below South Dakota's 308. That ranks #468 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #82 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Belle Fourche Police Department. Property crime runs 779 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Belle Fourche?
The median household in Belle Fourche earns $65,071, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below South Dakota ($76,881). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Belle Fourche?
Median rent in Belle Fourche is $983/mo (Census), #197 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 18.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Belle Fourche?
The typical home value in Belle Fourche is $339,748, up 2.2% in a year, against $321,574 for South Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $222,500.
How are the public schools in Belle Fourche?
Belle Fourche's 4 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $10,737 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Belle Fourche?
The average commute is 25.8 minutes, #837 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 18.5 minutes across South Dakota. 7.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Belle Fourche?
Belle Fourche averages 47.9°F over the year, 70.6°F in summer and 25.9°F in winter, with 18 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Belle Fourche walkable?
Belle Fourche scores 9.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #791 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 Belle Fourche at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Butte County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 76% of US counties.
Who lives in Belle Fourche?
Belle Fourche has 5,804 residents. The median resident of Belle Fourche is 38.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 17.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1228 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Belle Fourche compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Belle Fourche ranks #18 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 49.1 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 15% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 17% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical South Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Belle Fourche?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Belle Fourche's population of 5,804 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Elsmere, DE (#971 overall), Lewistown, MT (#1094 overall), and Watford City, ND (#333 overall). Belle Fourche is #1045.