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Is Dakota Dunes a Good Place to Live? Dakota Dunes, South Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Dakota Dunes ranks #93 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #22 of 234 towns and #3 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (2.4%, #9 of 234) and high household income ($136,125, #10 of 234), and trails on expensive homes ($565,600, #212 of 231).
Dakota Dunes by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Dakota Dunes's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Dakota Dunes: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Dakota Dunes safe?
What is the cost of living in Dakota Dunes?
Dakota Dunes'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 $1,225/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $565,600.
| Measure | Dakota Dunes | South DakotaSD | 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 | 88.6 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $565,600#1041 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,225/mo#463 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 10.8%#4 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.
Is Dakota Dunes safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Dakota Dunes alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Dakota Dunes crime rate or rank it on safety. South Dakota as a whole records 308 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Dakota Dunes?
The median household in Dakota Dunes earns $136,125, 64% above the US figure of $83,163 and 77% above South Dakota ($76,881). 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Dakota Dunes | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $136,125#83 of 1,312 | $76,881 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 2.4%#11 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
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 Dakota Dunes?
The median resident of Dakota Dunes is 42.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 59.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #129 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Dakota Dunes | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 42.6 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 59.8%#129 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 67% | 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 Dakota Dunes's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Dakota Dunes to describe its public schools. 29.3% of adults are obese and 9.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Dakota Dunes | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 29.3%#355 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 9.7%#339 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 12.4%#30 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 5.7%#126 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 Dakota Dunes?
The average commute in Dakota Dunes is 12.1 minutes (South Dakota 18.5); 0% of workers take transit and 10.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Dakota Dunes scores 8.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1009 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 | Dakota Dunes | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 12.1 min#15 of 1,312 | 18.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 0%#1 of 1,312 | 4.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 84.2% | 78.1% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.2% | 3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 10.5% | 8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.2#1009 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 | 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 | Dakota Dunes | 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 Dakota Dunes?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Dakota Dunes's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Union County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, lightning, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 77% of US counties.
| Measure | Dakota Dunes | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.21%#986 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 Union County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Union County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.034% | 100% of counties |
| Lightning | 0.0019% | 99% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0024% | 95% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.14% | 87% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0071% | 82% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0048% | 69% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0015% | 69% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.002% | 50% 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 Dakota Dunes compare with similar-size cities?
Dakota Dunes is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #22 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 3,936.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota Dunes, SDPop. 3,936 | #93 | 68.7 | $136,125 | $1,225/mo | no data | 12.1 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 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 |
| Chena Ridge, AKPop. 5,881 | #186 | 64.9 | $133,775 | $1,110/mo | no data | 20.9 min |
| Buffalo, WYPop. 4,572 | #595 | 56.8 | $62,629 | $1,019/mo | 106 | 12.9 min |
| Pascoag, RIPop. 4,410 | #422 | 59.7 | $121,369 | $1,319/mo | no data | 35.4 min |
| Grafton, NDPop. 4,102 | #704 | 54.9 | $62,679 | $733/mo | 200 | 15.6 min |
| Northfield, VTPop. 3,766 | #412 | 59.9 | $60,789 | $997/mo | county/metro | 25.6 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 Dakota Dunes compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Dakota Dunes ranks #3 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 68.7 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 77% above the South Dakota median.
| 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 Dakota Dunes's score calculated?
Dakota Dunes scores 68.7 out of 100, #93 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 7 of 11 categories with local data; safety, education, growth, and outdoor access are 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 · 24% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Dakota Dunes. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
87.9 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Dakota Dunes. Similar-size median 56.5.
73.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 16% of score
Dakota Dunes's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
66.8 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Dakota Dunes. Similar-size median 50.8.
94.0 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Dakota Dunes. Similar-size median 48.3.
50.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Dakota Dunes's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
37.9 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 6% 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.
23.1 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Dakota Dunes alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Dakota Dunes.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Dakota Dunes.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Dakota Dunes'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 Dakota Dunes 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 Dakota Dunes
Is Dakota Dunes, SD a good place to live?
Dakota Dunes ranks #93 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #22 of 234 towns and #3 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (2.4%, #9 of 234) and high household income ($136,125, #10 of 234), and trails on expensive homes ($565,600, #212 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Dakota Dunes?
Dakota Dunes'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 $1,225/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $565,600.
Is Dakota Dunes safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Dakota Dunes alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Dakota Dunes crime rate or rank it on safety. South Dakota as a whole records 308 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Dakota Dunes?
The median household in Dakota Dunes earns $136,125, 64% above the US figure of $83,163 and 77% above South Dakota ($76,881). 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Dakota Dunes?
Median rent in Dakota Dunes is $1,225/mo (Census), #463 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 10.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Dakota Dunes?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Dakota Dunes is $565,600, #1041 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Dakota Dunes?
We have too few school records for Dakota Dunes to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Dakota Dunes?
The average commute is 12.1 minutes, #15 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 18.5 minutes across South Dakota. 0% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Dakota Dunes?
Dakota Dunes 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 Dakota Dunes walkable?
Dakota Dunes scores 8.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1009 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 Dakota Dunes at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Union County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, lightning, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 77% of US counties.
Who lives in Dakota Dunes?
Dakota Dunes has 3,936 residents. The median resident of Dakota Dunes is 42.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 59.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #129 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Dakota Dunes compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Dakota Dunes ranks #3 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 68.7 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 77% above the South Dakota median.
What cities are similar in size to Dakota Dunes?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Dakota Dunes's population of 3,936 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Elsmere, DE (#971 overall), Lewistown, MT (#1094 overall), Chena Ridge, AK (#186 overall), and Buffalo, WY (#595 overall). Dakota Dunes is #93.