South DakotaPop. 15,649Towns
Is Mitchell a Good Place to Live? Mitchell, South Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Mitchell ranks #832 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #150 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (12.8 min, #24 of 234) and low living costs (86.7, #25 of 230), and trails on low household income ($58,620, #178 of 234).
Mitchell by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Mitchell'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 Mitchell?
Mitchell'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 $851/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $254,780, 21% below the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
| Measure | Mitchell | 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 | $254,780#264 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 | $960/mo#16 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $192,200#203 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $851/mo#53 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 17.4%#191 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.
Mitchell 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. Mitchell is in the Mitchell, SD metro.
South Dakota housing market →Is Mitchell safe?
Mitchell recorded 288 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% below the US rate of 328 and 6% below South Dakota's 308. That ranks #543 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #96 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Mitchell Police Department. Property crime runs 1,756 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Mitchell | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 288#543 of 1,085 | 308 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,756#604 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 Mitchell?
The median household in Mitchell earns $58,620, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below South Dakota ($76,881). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Mitchell | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $58,620#1072 of 1,312 | $76,881 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 12.5%#690 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 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 Mitchell?
The median resident of Mitchell is 39.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Mitchell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 39.6 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 23.6%#1035 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 56.6% | 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 Mitchell's schools and health?
Mitchell's 7 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 14.6 students per teacher and $10,795 spent per pupil. 38% of adults are obese and 11.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Mitchell | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 82.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14.6#390 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $10,795#1080 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 38%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 11.6%#715 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 15.8%#378 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9.5%#589 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. 2,694 students are enrolled in Mitchell's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Mitchell?
The average commute in Mitchell is 12.8 minutes (South Dakota 18.5); 1.2% of workers take transit and 8.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Mitchell scores 10 of 20 (below average walkable), #694 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.5°F and winters 21.7°F, with 21.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Mitchell | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 12.8 min#26 of 1,312 | 18.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4%#391 of 1,312 | 4.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 78.2% | 78.1% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 2% | 3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.6% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 8.1% | 8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 10#694 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 | 28.6 | 9.3 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 32.7 | 13.4 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 45.4 | 24.3 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 58.7 | 35.1 | 2.1 |
| May | 70.8 | 47.8 | 3.2 |
| Jun | 81.2 | 58.5 | 3.5 |
| Jul | 86.7 | 63.9 | 2.4 |
| Aug | 83.9 | 60.5 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 76.8 | 51 | 2.3 |
| Oct | 61.7 | 37.8 | 1.8 |
| Nov | 45.6 | 24.2 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 31.9 | 14.1 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Mitchell Airport.
| Measure | Mitchell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 47.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 72.5°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 21.7°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 21.1 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 Mitchell Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Mitchell?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Mitchell's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Davison County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 67% of US counties.
| Measure | Mitchell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#466 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 Davison County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Davison County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.024% | 92% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0019% | 92% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0068% | 84% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0028% | 80% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0028% | 71% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0044% | 67% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.07% | 35% 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 Mitchell compare with similar-size cities?
Mitchell is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #150 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 15,649.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell, SDPop. 15,649 | #832 | 52.8 | $58,620 | $851/mo | 288 | 12.8 min |
| Schofield Barracks, HIPop. 16,270 | #869 | 52.2 | $80,388 | $3,230/mo | no data | 10.6 min |
| Chubbuck, IDPop. 16,126 | #628 | 56.3 | $82,977 | $1,048/mo | 280 | 17.1 min |
| Jamestown, NDPop. 15,787 | #813 | 53.2 | $56,554 | $773/mo | 133 | 10.9 min |
| Dayton, NVPop. 15,781 | #887 | 52.0 | $102,819 | $1,521/mo | no data | 30.8 min |
| Rutland, VTPop. 15,712 | #514 | 57.9 | $57,675 | $995/mo | 464 | 16 min |
| Clarksburg, WVPop. 15,549 | #1170 | 46.1 | $47,386 | $790/mo | 278 | 20.9 min |
| Glasgow, DEPop. 15,546 | #476 | 58.5 | $113,982 | $2,039/mo | no data | 29.1 min |
| Deming, NMPop. 15,221 | #1299 | 36.7 | $34,165 | $586/mo | part year | 17.4 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 Mitchell compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Mitchell ranks #14 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 52.8 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 24% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 6% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% 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 Mitchell's score calculated?
Mitchell scores 52.8 out of 100, #832 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 Mitchell. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
20.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Mitchell's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
75.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Mitchell. Similar-size median 56.5.
51.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Mitchell's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
58.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Mitchell's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
87.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Mitchell. Similar-size median 50.8.
42.7 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Mitchell. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
35.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Mitchell. Similar-size median 48.3.
52.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Mitchell's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
47.4 - 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.
66.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Mitchell'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 Mitchell 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 Mitchell
Is Mitchell, SD a good place to live?
Mitchell ranks #832 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #150 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (12.8 min, #24 of 234) and low living costs (86.7, #25 of 230), and trails on low household income ($58,620, #178 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Mitchell?
Mitchell'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 $851/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $254,780, 21% below the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
What is the crime rate in Mitchell?
Mitchell recorded 288 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% below the US rate of 328 and 6% below South Dakota's 308. That ranks #543 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #96 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Mitchell Police Department. Property crime runs 1,756 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Mitchell?
The median household in Mitchell earns $58,620, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below South Dakota ($76,881). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Mitchell?
Median rent in Mitchell is $851/mo (Census), #53 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $960/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Mitchell?
The typical home value in Mitchell is $254,780, up 1.6% in a year, against $321,574 for South Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $192,200.
How are the public schools in Mitchell?
Mitchell's 7 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 14.6 students per teacher and $10,795 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Mitchell?
The average commute is 12.8 minutes, #26 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 18.5 minutes across South Dakota. 4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Mitchell?
Mitchell averages 47.7°F over the year, 72.5°F in summer and 21.7°F in winter, with 21.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Mitchell walkable?
Mitchell scores 10 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #694 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 Mitchell at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Davison County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 67% of US counties.
Who lives in Mitchell?
Mitchell has 15,649 residents. The median resident of Mitchell is 39.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Mitchell compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Mitchell ranks #14 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 52.8 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 24% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 6% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical South Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Mitchell?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Mitchell's population of 15,649 are Schofield Barracks, HI (#869 overall), Chubbuck, ID (#628 overall), Jamestown, ND (#813 overall), Dayton, NV (#887 overall), and Rutland, VT (#514 overall). Mitchell is #832.