South DakotaPop. 11,878Towns
Is Vermillion a Good Place to Live? Vermillion, South Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Vermillion ranks #1081 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #191 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($764/mo, #11 of 231) and low living costs (86.7, #25 of 230), and trails on high poverty (24.4%, #219 of 234) and a shrinking population (-1%, #140 of 151).
Vermillion by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Vermillion'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 Vermillion?
Vermillion'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 $764/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $276,371, 14% below the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
| Measure | Vermillion | 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 | $276,371#315 of 1,187 | $321,574 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $219,000#294 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $764/mo#13 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.3x#667 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 18.2%#268 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.
Vermillion 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. Vermillion is in the Vermillion, SD metro.
South Dakota housing market →Is Vermillion safe?
Vermillion recorded 185 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 44% below the US rate of 328 and 40% below South Dakota's 308. That ranks #321 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #61 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Vermillion Police Department. Property crime runs 1,141 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Vermillion | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 185#321 of 1,085 | 308 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,141#283 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 Vermillion?
The median household in Vermillion earns $50,456, 39% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below South Dakota ($76,881). 24.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Vermillion | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $50,456#1224 of 1,312 | $76,881 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 24.4%#1225 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -1%#1087 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 Vermillion?
The median resident of Vermillion is 23.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 50.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #253 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Vermillion | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 23.1 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 50.6%#253 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 42% | 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 Vermillion's schools and health?
Vermillion's 4 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $11,110 spent per pupil. 33.7% of adults are obese and 6.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Vermillion | 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 | 15.1#478 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $11,110#1052 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 33.7%#673 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 6.7%#42 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 19.5%#1113 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.4%#432 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. 1,432 students are enrolled in Vermillion's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Vermillion?
The average commute in Vermillion is 16.9 minutes (South Dakota 18.5); 1.9% of workers take transit and 6.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Vermillion scores 8.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #933 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.4°F and winters 23.2°F, with 28 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Vermillion | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 16.9 min#131 of 1,312 | 18.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 5.4%#634 of 1,312 | 4.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 73.7% | 78.1% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.9% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 10.6% | 3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 1.5% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 6.4% | 8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.5#933 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 | 30.5 | 10.2 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 36.1 | 14 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 48.4 | 25.2 | 1.4 |
| Apr | 61.9 | 36 | 3.1 |
| May | 72.7 | 48.1 | 4 |
| Jun | 82.2 | 59.1 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 85.5 | 63.2 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 83.3 | 60.7 | 2.9 |
| Sep | 78.1 | 51.8 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 64.6 | 38.5 | 2.4 |
| Nov | 48.2 | 25.2 | 1.3 |
| Dec | 34 | 14.6 | 0.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Vermillion 2 Se.
| Measure | Vermillion | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 48.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 72.4°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 23.2°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 28 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 Vermillion 2 Se.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Vermillion?
Clay County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Clay County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
| Measure | Vermillion | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 34#119 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#704 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 Clay County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Clay County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.034% | 100% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0022% | 94% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0018% | 73% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0054% | 72% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0032% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.089% | 60% 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 Vermillion compare with similar-size cities?
Vermillion is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #191 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 11,878.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermillion, SDPop. 11,878 | #1081 | 48.4 | $50,456 | $764/mo | 185 | 16.9 min |
| Pike Creek Valley, DEPop. 12,431 | #361 | 60.8 | $102,434 | $1,751/mo | no data | 20.7 min |
| Beatrice, NEPop. 12,225 | #916 | 51.5 | $57,264 | $758/mo | 73 | 15.6 min |
| Somersworth, NHPop. 12,111 | #362 | 60.8 | $74,504 | $1,477/mo | 114 | 25.8 min |
| Portales, NMPop. 11,968 | #1249 | 42.5 | $50,555 | $903/mo | 419 | 12.3 min |
| College, AKPop. 11,924 | #823 | 52.9 | $83,895 | $1,454/mo | no data | 16 min |
| Belgrade, MTPop. 11,872 | #389 | 60.3 | $97,328 | $1,877/mo | 331 | 24.6 min |
| Evanston, WYPop. 11,800 | #614 | 56.5 | $76,516 | $805/mo | 163 | 17.2 min |
| Orono, MEPop. 11,151 | #526 | 57.7 | $59,784 | $1,280/mo | part year | 15.2 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 Vermillion compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Vermillion ranks #19 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 48.4 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 34% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 40% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% 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 Vermillion's score calculated?
Vermillion scores 48.4 out of 100, #1081 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 Vermillion. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
13.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Vermillion's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
86.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Vermillion. Similar-size median 56.5.
59.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Vermillion's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
47.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Vermillion's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
87.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Vermillion. Similar-size median 50.8.
17.1 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Vermillion. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
14.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Vermillion. Similar-size median 48.3.
57.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Vermillion's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
39.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
59.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Vermillion'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 Vermillion 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 Vermillion
Is Vermillion, SD a good place to live?
Vermillion ranks #1081 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #191 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($764/mo, #11 of 231) and low living costs (86.7, #25 of 230), and trails on high poverty (24.4%, #219 of 234) and a shrinking population (-1%, #140 of 151).
What is the cost of living in Vermillion?
Vermillion'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 $764/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $276,371, 14% below the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
What is the crime rate in Vermillion?
Vermillion recorded 185 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 44% below the US rate of 328 and 40% below South Dakota's 308. That ranks #321 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #61 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Vermillion Police Department. Property crime runs 1,141 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Vermillion?
The median household in Vermillion earns $50,456, 39% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below South Dakota ($76,881). 24.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Vermillion?
Median rent in Vermillion is $764/mo (Census), #13 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 18.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Vermillion?
The typical home value in Vermillion is $276,371, 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 $219,000.
How are the public schools in Vermillion?
Vermillion's 4 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $11,110 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Vermillion?
The average commute is 16.9 minutes, #131 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 18.5 minutes across South Dakota. 5.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Vermillion?
Vermillion averages 48.8°F over the year, 72.4°F in summer and 23.2°F in winter, with 28 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Vermillion walkable?
Vermillion scores 8.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #933 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 Vermillion at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Clay County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Vermillion?
Clay County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Vermillion?
Vermillion has 11,878 residents. The median resident of Vermillion is 23.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 50.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #253 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Vermillion compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Vermillion ranks #19 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 48.4 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 34% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 40% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% below the typical South Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Vermillion?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Vermillion's population of 11,878 are Pike Creek Valley, DE (#361 overall), Beatrice, NE (#916 overall), Somersworth, NH (#362 overall), Portales, NM (#1249 overall), and College, AK (#823 overall). Vermillion is #1081.