South DakotaPop. 12,902Towns
Is Box Elder a Good Place to Live? Box Elder, South Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Box Elder ranks #837 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #151 of 234 towns and #15 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high rents ($1,491/mo, #185 of 231).
Box Elder by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Box Elder'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 Box Elder?
Box Elder's cost of living index is 89.2, 11% below the US level of 100 and #177 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,491/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $366,720, 14% above the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
| Measure | Box Elder | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 89.2#177 of 1,308 | 88.6 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $366,720#558 of 1,187 | $321,574 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,515/mo#349 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $302,100#535 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,491/mo#715 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.1x#604 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 24.5%#945 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.
Box Elder 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. Box Elder is in the Rapid City, SD metro.
South Dakota housing market →Is Box Elder safe?
Box Elder recorded 312 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5% below the US rate of 328 and 1% above South Dakota's 308. That ranks #577 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #98 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Box Elder Police Department. Property crime runs 1,379 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Box Elder | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 312#577 of 1,085 | 308 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,379#409 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 Box Elder?
The median household in Box Elder earns $73,008, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below South Dakota ($76,881). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Box Elder | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $73,008#755 of 1,312 | $76,881 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 7.5%#286 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 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 Box Elder?
The median resident of Box Elder is 28.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 28% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #875 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Box Elder | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 28.8 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 28%#875 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 48.2% | 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 Box Elder's schools and health?
Box Elder's 4 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 16 students per teacher and $11,597 spent per pupil. 32.2% of adults are obese and 8.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Box Elder | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 82.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 16#634 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $11,597#1007 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 32.2%#553 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 8.2%#123 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.1%#886 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 10%#656 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. 2,753 students are enrolled in Box Elder's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Box Elder?
The average commute in Box Elder is 20.1 minutes (South Dakota 18.5); 0.8% of workers take transit and 6.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Box Elder scores 6.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1289 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.3°F and winters 25.3°F, with 17.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Box Elder | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 20.1 min#349 of 1,312 | 18.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.6%#311 of 1,312 | 4.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 75.8% | 78.1% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 2% | 3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 6.9% | 8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.1#1289 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 | 12.7 | 0.3 |
| Feb | 38.1 | 14 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 48.2 | 22.6 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 56.6 | 31.2 | 2.1 |
| May | 66.5 | 41.7 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 77.6 | 51.6 | 2.9 |
| Jul | 86.4 | 58.5 | 2.3 |
| Aug | 85.4 | 56.2 | 1.6 |
| Sep | 76.1 | 46.4 | 1.2 |
| Oct | 60.4 | 33.7 | 1.4 |
| Nov | 47.3 | 21.9 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 37.2 | 13.9 | 0.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rapid City Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Box Elder | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 46.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 69.3°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 25.3°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 17.4 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 Rapid City Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Box Elder?
Pennington County's air had a median air quality index of 32, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pennington County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hail, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 51% of US counties.
| Measure | Box Elder | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 32#85 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#686 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 Pennington County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Pennington County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.036% | 94% of counties |
| Hail | 0.014% | 90% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0012% | 81% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0016% | 70% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.077% | 45% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0016% | 37% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0036% | 31% 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 Box Elder compare with similar-size cities?
Box Elder is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #151 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 12,902.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Elder, SDPop. 12,902 | #837 | 52.7 | $73,008 | $1,491/mo | 312 | 20.1 min |
| South Charleston, WVPop. 13,457 | #1255 | 42.1 | $63,884 | $844/mo | 446 | 19.3 min |
| Claremont, NHPop. 13,078 | #561 | 57.2 | $59,096 | $1,146/mo | 183 | 24.3 min |
| Las Vegas, NMPop. 13,000 | #1293 | 38.0 | $45,125 | $792/mo | 786 | 16.8 min |
| Jerome, IDPop. 12,930 | #983 | 50.4 | $66,894 | $947/mo | 356 | 22 min |
| Milford, DEPop. 12,803 | #896 | 51.9 | $59,464 | $1,260/mo | 464 | 23.3 min |
| Valley Falls, RIPop. 12,657 | #515 | 57.9 | $92,901 | $1,362/mo | no data | 23.3 min |
| Beatrice, NEPop. 12,225 | #916 | 51.5 | $57,264 | $758/mo | 73 | 15.6 min |
| College, AKPop. 11,924 | #823 | 52.9 | $83,895 | $1,454/mo | no data | 16 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 Box Elder compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Box Elder ranks #15 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 52.7 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 5% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 1% above the statewide rate. Homes are 14% 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 Box Elder's score calculated?
Box Elder scores 52.7 out of 100, #837 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 Box Elder. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
33.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Box Elder's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
77.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Box Elder. Similar-size median 56.5.
61.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Box Elder's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
52.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Box Elder's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
73.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Box Elder. Similar-size median 50.8.
58.2 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Box Elder. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
31.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Box Elder. Similar-size median 48.3.
46.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Box Elder's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
26.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
62.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Box Elder'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 Box Elder 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 Box Elder
Is Box Elder, SD a good place to live?
Box Elder ranks #837 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #151 of 234 towns and #15 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high rents ($1,491/mo, #185 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Box Elder?
Box Elder's cost of living index is 89.2, 11% below the US level of 100 and #177 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,491/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $366,720, 14% above the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
What is the crime rate in Box Elder?
Box Elder recorded 312 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5% below the US rate of 328 and 1% above South Dakota's 308. That ranks #577 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #98 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Box Elder Police Department. Property crime runs 1,379 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Box Elder?
The median household in Box Elder earns $73,008, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below South Dakota ($76,881). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Box Elder?
Median rent in Box Elder is $1,491/mo (Census), #715 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,515/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Box Elder?
The typical home value in Box Elder is $366,720, up 2.3% in a year, against $321,574 for South Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $302,100.
How are the public schools in Box Elder?
Box Elder's 4 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 16 students per teacher and $11,597 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Box Elder?
The average commute is 20.1 minutes, #349 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 18.5 minutes across South Dakota. 3.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Box Elder?
Box Elder averages 46.7°F over the year, 69.3°F in summer and 25.3°F in winter, with 17.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Box Elder walkable?
Box Elder scores 6.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1289 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 Box Elder at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pennington County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hail, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 51% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Box Elder?
Pennington County's air had a median air quality index of 32, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Box Elder?
Box Elder has 12,902 residents. The median resident of Box Elder is 28.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 28% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #875 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Box Elder compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Box Elder ranks #15 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 52.7 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 5% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 1% above the statewide rate. Homes are 14% above the typical South Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Box Elder?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Box Elder's population of 12,902 are South Charleston, WV (#1255 overall), Claremont, NH (#561 overall), Las Vegas, NM (#1293 overall), Jerome, ID (#983 overall), and Milford, DE (#896 overall). Box Elder is #837.