South DakotaPop. 8,519Towns
Is Harrisburg a Good Place to Live? Harrisburg, South Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Harrisburg ranks #276 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #46 of 234 towns and #4 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (0.5%, #1 of 234) and fast population growth (+2.4%, #14 of 151), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Harrisburg by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Harrisburg'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 Harrisburg: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Harrisburg safe?
What is the cost of living in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg's cost of living index is 90.6, 9% below the US level of 100 and #228 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,362/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $362,813, 13% above the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
| Measure | Harrisburg | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 90.6#228 of 1,308 | 88.6 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $362,813#545 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 | $1,261/mo#132 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $312,200#572 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,362/mo#599 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 15%#64 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.
Harrisburg 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. Harrisburg is in the Sioux Falls, SD metro.
South Dakota housing market →Is Harrisburg safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Harrisburg alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg?
The median household in Harrisburg earns $108,724, 31% above the US figure of $83,163 and 41% above South Dakota ($76,881). 0.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Harrisburg | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $108,724#248 of 1,312 | $76,881 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 0.5%#1 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +2.4%#71 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 Harrisburg?
The median resident of Harrisburg is 31.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 43.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #369 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 78.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Harrisburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 31.1 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 43.8%#369 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 78.4% | 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 Harrisburg's schools and health?
Harrisburg's 4 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 13.7 students per teacher and $11,031 spent per pupil. 34.5% of adults are obese and 5.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Harrisburg | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 82.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 13.7#249 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $11,031#1060 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 34.5%#734 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 5.4%#11 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 15.4%#313 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 6.8%#228 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. 3,236 students are enrolled in Harrisburg's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Harrisburg?
The average commute in Harrisburg is 21.9 minutes (South Dakota 18.5); 0% of workers take transit and 12.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Harrisburg scores 7.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1216 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.4°F and winters 18.8°F, with 27.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Harrisburg | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 21.9 min#492 of 1,312 | 18.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4.3%#446 of 1,312 | 4.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 81.9% | 78.1% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.7% | 3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 12.2% | 8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.2#1216 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 | 25.3 | 5.8 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 30.6 | 10.5 | 0.8 |
| Mar | 43.7 | 22 | 1.3 |
| Apr | 57.8 | 34.3 | 2.9 |
| May | 69.8 | 46.7 | 4.1 |
| Jun | 79.8 | 58.2 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 83.3 | 61.8 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 80.2 | 59 | 3 |
| Sep | 73.6 | 50.3 | 2.9 |
| Oct | 60 | 36.4 | 2.2 |
| Nov | 43.5 | 23 | 1.2 |
| Dec | 29.4 | 11.3 | 0.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Canton.
| Measure | Harrisburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 70.4°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 18.8°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 27.8 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 Canton.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Harrisburg?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Harrisburg's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lincoln County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
| Measure | Harrisburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#426 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 Lincoln County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lincoln County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.03% | 98% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0028% | 96% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0026% | 80% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0043% | 71% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0038% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.064% | 27% 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 Harrisburg compare with similar-size cities?
Harrisburg is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #46 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 8,519.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg, SDPop. 8,519 | #276 | 62.7 | $108,724 | $1,362/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| Kalifornsky, AKPop. 8,663 | #687 | 55.3 | $93,508 | $1,394/mo | no data | 24 min |
| Ellsworth, MEPop. 8,657 | #328 | 61.5 | $77,375 | $1,017/mo | 67 | 24.5 min |
| Cumberland Hill, RIPop. 8,648 | #129 | 67.3 | $130,506 | $1,310/mo | no data | 26.3 min |
| Gering, NEPop. 8,550 | #672 | 55.6 | $75,093 | $823/mo | 105 | 15.1 min |
| Seaford, DEPop. 8,485 | #1167 | 46.2 | $54,016 | $1,176/mo | 641 | 28.1 min |
| Hanover, NHPop. 8,479 | #1 | 80.8 | $153,281 | $2,254/mo | 17 | 19 min |
| Barre, VTPop. 8,412 | #852 | 52.5 | $65,625 | $1,093/mo | 533 | 18.6 min |
| Miles City, MTPop. 8,407 | #713 | 54.8 | $67,727 | $926/mo | 356 | 10.8 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 Harrisburg compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Harrisburg ranks #4 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 62.7 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 41% above the South Dakota median. Homes are 13% 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 Harrisburg's score calculated?
Harrisburg scores 62.7 out of 100, #276 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Harrisburg. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
64.1 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Harrisburg. Similar-size median 56.5.
69.1 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Harrisburg's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
57.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Harrisburg's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
73.6 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Harrisburg. Similar-size median 50.8.
82.1 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Harrisburg. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
62.9 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Harrisburg. Similar-size median 48.3.
45.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Harrisburg's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
32.6 - 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.
70.7 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Harrisburg alone.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Harrisburg'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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg
Is Harrisburg, SD a good place to live?
Harrisburg ranks #276 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #46 of 234 towns and #4 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (0.5%, #1 of 234) and fast population growth (+2.4%, #14 of 151), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg's cost of living index is 90.6, 9% below the US level of 100 and #228 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,362/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $362,813, 13% above the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
Is Harrisburg safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Harrisburg alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg?
The median household in Harrisburg earns $108,724, 31% above the US figure of $83,163 and 41% above South Dakota ($76,881). 0.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Harrisburg?
Median rent in Harrisburg is $1,362/mo (Census), #599 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,261/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 15% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Harrisburg?
The typical home value in Harrisburg is $362,813, up 0.5% in a year, against $321,574 for South Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $312,200.
How are the public schools in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg's 4 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 13.7 students per teacher and $11,031 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Harrisburg?
The average commute is 21.9 minutes, #492 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 18.5 minutes across South Dakota. 4.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg averages 45.7°F over the year, 70.4°F in summer and 18.8°F in winter, with 27.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Harrisburg walkable?
Harrisburg scores 7.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1216 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 Harrisburg at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lincoln County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
Who lives in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg has 8,519 residents. The median resident of Harrisburg is 31.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 43.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #369 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 78.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Harrisburg compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Harrisburg ranks #4 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 62.7 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 41% above the South Dakota median. Homes are 13% above the typical South Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Harrisburg?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Harrisburg's population of 8,519 are Kalifornsky, AK (#687 overall), Ellsworth, ME (#328 overall), Cumberland Hill, RI (#129 overall), Gering, NE (#672 overall), and Seaford, DE (#1167 overall). Harrisburg is #276.