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Is Sturgis a Good Place to Live? Sturgis, South Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sturgis ranks #1120 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #197 of 234 towns and #20 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($780/mo, #14 of 231), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.2%, #144 of 151) and low household income ($54,404, #196 of 234).
Sturgis by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sturgis'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 Sturgis?
Sturgis'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 $780/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $376,562, 17% above the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
| Measure | Sturgis | 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 | $376,562#575 of 1,187 | $321,574 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $271,200#451 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $780/mo#17 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 5x#842 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 17.2%#173 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.
Sturgis 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. Sturgis is in the Rapid City, SD metro.
South Dakota housing market →Is Sturgis safe?
Sturgis recorded 329 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, in line with the US rate of 328 and 7% above South Dakota's 308. That ranks #600 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #102 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sturgis Police Department. Property crime runs 2,202 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Sturgis | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 329#600 of 1,085 | 308 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 2,202#763 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 Sturgis?
The median household in Sturgis earns $54,404, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below South Dakota ($76,881). 9.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Sturgis | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $54,404#1162 of 1,312 | $76,881 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 9.2%#431 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 Sturgis?
The median resident of Sturgis is 40.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #999 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sturgis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 40.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 24.4%#999 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 66.9% | 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 Sturgis's schools and health?
Sturgis's 3 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $9,885 spent per pupil. 31.2% of adults are obese and 11.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Sturgis | 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 | 14.9#445 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $9,885#1149 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 31.2%#472 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 11.7%#732 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% | 9.3%#557 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. 1,862 students are enrolled in Sturgis's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sturgis?
The average commute in Sturgis is 18.3 minutes (South Dakota 18.5); 2.3% of workers take transit and 2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sturgis scores 8.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #895 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.2°F and winters 27.5°F, with 21.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sturgis | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 18.3 min#211 of 1,312 | 18.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 1.9%#45 of 1,312 | 4.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 71.4% | 78.1% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 2.3% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 7.8% | 3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 2% | 8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.7#895 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 | 37.7 | 15.1 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 39.2 | 16.5 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 48.7 | 24.6 | 1.3 |
| Apr | 57.8 | 33.5 | 2.5 |
| May | 67 | 43.7 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 78.2 | 53.2 | 3.3 |
| Jul | 86.4 | 59.9 | 2.3 |
| Aug | 85.6 | 57.9 | 1.7 |
| Sep | 77 | 48.6 | 1.4 |
| Oct | 60.7 | 36.4 | 1.9 |
| Nov | 47.8 | 25 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 39.1 | 17.2 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ft Meade.
| Measure | Sturgis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 48.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 70.2°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 27.5°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 21.3 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 Ft Meade.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sturgis?
Meade County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 97% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Meade County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 77% of US counties.
| Measure | Sturgis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 36#161 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.21%#985 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 Meade County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Meade County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0041% | 98% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.068% | 97% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0065% | 76% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 69% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0012% | 64% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0014% | 40% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0053% | 38% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0017% | 38% 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 Sturgis compare with similar-size cities?
Sturgis is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #197 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 7,086.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sturgis, SDPop. 7,086 | #1120 | 47.6 | $54,404 | $780/mo | 329 | 18.3 min |
| Lander, WYPop. 7,432 | #699 | 55.0 | $74,813 | $896/mo | part year | 13.6 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 |
| Devils Lake, NDPop. 7,308 | #1006 | 50.0 | $43,220 | $711/mo | 191 | 12.1 min |
| Middlebury, VTPop. 7,220 | #5 | 76.4 | $86,250 | $1,201/mo | 54 | 14.6 min |
| Lockwood, MTPop. 7,181 | #1061 | 48.7 | $75,700 | $1,138/mo | no data | 21.3 min |
| Pike Creek, DEPop. 7,129 | #89 | 68.8 | $139,635 | $2,262/mo | no data | 29 min |
| Gateway, AKPop. 6,845 | #206 | 64.4 | $137,772 | $1,741/mo | no data | 34.3 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 Sturgis compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Sturgis ranks #20 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 47.6 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 29% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 7% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% 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 Sturgis's score calculated?
Sturgis scores 47.6 out of 100, #1120 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Sturgis. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
16.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sturgis's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
70.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sturgis. Similar-size median 56.5.
60.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sturgis's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
46.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sturgis's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
83.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sturgis. Similar-size median 50.8.
47.0 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sturgis. 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 Sturgis. Similar-size median 48.3.
50.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sturgis's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
40.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
45.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sturgis'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 Sturgis 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 Sturgis
Is Sturgis, SD a good place to live?
Sturgis ranks #1120 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #197 of 234 towns and #20 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($780/mo, #14 of 231), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.2%, #144 of 151) and low household income ($54,404, #196 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Sturgis?
Sturgis'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 $780/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $376,562, 17% above the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
What is the crime rate in Sturgis?
Sturgis recorded 329 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, in line with the US rate of 328 and 7% above South Dakota's 308. That ranks #600 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #102 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sturgis Police Department. Property crime runs 2,202 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Sturgis?
The median household in Sturgis earns $54,404, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below South Dakota ($76,881). 9.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Sturgis?
Median rent in Sturgis is $780/mo (Census), #17 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 17.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sturgis?
The typical home value in Sturgis is $376,562, 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 $271,200.
How are the public schools in Sturgis?
Sturgis's 3 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $9,885 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sturgis?
The average commute is 18.3 minutes, #211 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 18.5 minutes across South Dakota. 1.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sturgis?
Sturgis averages 48.2°F over the year, 70.2°F in summer and 27.5°F in winter, with 21.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sturgis walkable?
Sturgis scores 8.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #895 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 Sturgis at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Meade County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 77% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Sturgis?
Meade County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 97% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Sturgis?
Sturgis has 7,086 residents. The median resident of Sturgis is 40.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #999 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sturgis compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Sturgis ranks #20 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 47.6 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 29% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 7% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% above the typical South Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Sturgis?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sturgis's population of 7,086 are Lander, WY (#699 overall), Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Devils Lake, ND (#1006 overall), and Middlebury, VT (#5 overall). Sturgis is #1120.