South DakotaPop. 6,786Towns
Is Tea a Good Place to Live? Tea, South Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Tea ranks #63 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #14 of 234 towns and #2 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+4.1%, #5 of 151) and high household income ($120,139, #19 of 234), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Tea by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Tea'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 Tea?
Tea'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 $1,220/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $388,858, 21% above the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
| Measure | Tea | 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 | $388,858#599 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 | $1,266/mo#136 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $351,100#652 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,220/mo#458 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% | 12.2%#9 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.
Tea 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. Tea is in the Sioux Falls, SD metro.
South Dakota housing market →Is Tea safe?
Tea recorded 169 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 328 and 45% below South Dakota's 308. That ranks #284 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #53 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tea Police Department. Property crime runs 782 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Tea | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 169#284 of 1,085 | 308 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 782#127 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 Tea?
The median household in Tea earns $120,139, 44% above the US figure of $83,163 and 56% above South Dakota ($76,881). 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 4.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Tea | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $120,139#155 of 1,312 | $76,881 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 4.7%#89 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +4.1%#32 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 Tea?
The median resident of Tea is 30.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 47.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #321 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 79.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Tea | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 30.6 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 47.1%#321 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 79.7% | 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 Tea's schools and health?
Tea's 4 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $9,842 spent per pupil. 35.6% of adults are obese and 6.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Tea | 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 | 17.6#798 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $9,842#1152 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 35.6%#822 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 6.3%#27 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 15.5%#329 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 6.4%#186 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. 2,146 students are enrolled in Tea's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Tea?
The average commute in Tea is 20.2 minutes (South Dakota 18.5); 0% of workers take transit and 19.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Tea scores 8.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.9°F and winters 19.5°F, with 28.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Tea | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 20.2 min#357 of 1,312 | 18.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4.1%#411 of 1,312 | 4.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 74.6% | 78.1% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.1% | 3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 19.7% | 8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.4#956 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 | 7.4 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 30 | 11.4 | 0.8 |
| Mar | 43.3 | 23.4 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 57 | 35.5 | 3 |
| May | 69.9 | 48.5 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 80.4 | 59.3 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 84.8 | 63.7 | 3.3 |
| Aug | 81.7 | 61.2 | 3.3 |
| Sep | 74.8 | 51.7 | 3 |
| Oct | 60.6 | 37.8 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 43.6 | 24.2 | 1.2 |
| Dec | 30.4 | 12.5 | 0.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sioux Falls Wfo Airport.
| Measure | Tea | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 46.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 71.9°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 19.5°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 28.3 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 Falls Wfo Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Tea?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Tea'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 | Tea | 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 Tea compare with similar-size cities?
Tea is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #14 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 6,786.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea, SDPop. 6,786 | #63 | 69.8 | $120,139 | $1,220/mo | 169 | 20.2 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 |
| 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 |
| St. Albans, VTPop. 6,954 | #818 | 53.1 | $57,980 | $1,150/mo | 735 | 22.6 min |
| Gateway, AKPop. 6,845 | #206 | 64.4 | $137,772 | $1,741/mo | no data | 34.3 min |
| Valley City, NDPop. 6,541 | #870 | 52.2 | $60,339 | $780/mo | 61 | 15.8 min |
| Powell, WYPop. 6,503 | #562 | 57.2 | $63,523 | $764/mo | 273 | 18.2 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 Tea compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Tea ranks #2 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 69.8 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 56% above the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 45% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% 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 Tea's score calculated?
Tea scores 69.8 out of 100, #63 of 1,312 (grade A+, 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 Tea. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
74.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Tea's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
90.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Tea. Similar-size median 56.5.
65.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Tea's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
50.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Tea's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
73.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Tea. Similar-size median 50.8.
83.9 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Tea. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
87.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Tea. Similar-size median 48.3.
55.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Tea's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
38.9 - 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.
70.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Tea'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 Tea 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 Tea
Is Tea, SD a good place to live?
Tea ranks #63 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #14 of 234 towns and #2 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+4.1%, #5 of 151) and high household income ($120,139, #19 of 234), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Tea?
Tea'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 $1,220/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $388,858, 21% above the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
What is the crime rate in Tea?
Tea recorded 169 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 328 and 45% below South Dakota's 308. That ranks #284 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #53 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tea Police Department. Property crime runs 782 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Tea?
The median household in Tea earns $120,139, 44% above the US figure of $83,163 and 56% above South Dakota ($76,881). 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 4.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Tea?
Median rent in Tea is $1,220/mo (Census), #458 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,266/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 12.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Tea?
The typical home value in Tea is $388,858, up 0.2% in a year, against $321,574 for South Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $351,100.
How are the public schools in Tea?
Tea's 4 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $9,842 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Tea?
The average commute is 20.2 minutes, #357 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 18.5 minutes across South Dakota. 4.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Tea?
Tea averages 46.6°F over the year, 71.9°F in summer and 19.5°F in winter, with 28.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Tea walkable?
Tea scores 8.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #956 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 Tea 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 Tea?
Tea has 6,786 residents. The median resident of Tea is 30.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 47.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #321 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 79.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Tea compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Tea ranks #2 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 69.8 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 56% above the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 45% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% above the typical South Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Tea?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Tea's population of 6,786 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Lockwood, MT (#1061 overall), Pike Creek, DE (#89 overall), and St. Albans, VT (#818 overall). Tea is #63.