South DakotaPop. 15,540Towns
Is Yankton a Good Place to Live? Yankton, South Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Yankton ranks #765 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #131 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($790/mo, #17 of 231) and low living costs (86.7, #25 of 230), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Yankton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Yankton'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 Yankton?
Yankton'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 $790/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $276,337, 14% below the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
| Measure | Yankton | 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 | $276,337#314 of 1,187 | $321,574 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $222,700#301 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $790/mo#21 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% | 14%#32 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.
Yankton 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. Yankton is in the Yankton, SD metro.
South Dakota housing market →Is Yankton safe?
Yankton recorded 191 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% below the US rate of 328 and 38% below South Dakota's 308. That ranks #337 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #65 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Yankton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,456 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Yankton | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 191#337 of 1,085 | 308 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,456#453 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 Yankton?
The median household in Yankton earns $67,804, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% below South Dakota ($76,881). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Yankton | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $67,804#860 of 1,312 | $76,881 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 14.1%#804 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.7%#317 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 Yankton?
The median resident of Yankton is 41.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 33.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #682 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Yankton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 41.4 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 33.2%#682 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 66.3% | 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 Yankton's schools and health?
Yankton's 6 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 17 students per teacher and $10,904 spent per pupil. 38.6% of adults are obese and 11.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Yankton | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 82.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 17#734 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $10,904#1070 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 38.6%#1047 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% | 14.8%#241 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9%#519 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. 3,086 students are enrolled in Yankton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Yankton?
The average commute in Yankton is 13.3 minutes (South Dakota 18.5); 2.7% of workers take transit and 5.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Yankton scores 9.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #812 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.1°F and winters 23.1°F, with 28.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Yankton | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 13.3 min#31 of 1,312 | 18.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 2.9%#171 of 1,312 | 4.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 79% | 78.1% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 2.7% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 4.2% | 3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 5.5% | 8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.1#812 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 | 10.4 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 34.9 | 14.2 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 47.1 | 24.6 | 1.6 |
| Apr | 60 | 35.4 | 3.4 |
| May | 71.9 | 47.7 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 82.4 | 58.9 | 4 |
| Jul | 87.1 | 63.8 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 84.8 | 61.5 | 3.3 |
| Sep | 77.5 | 52.1 | 2.9 |
| Oct | 63.3 | 38.5 | 2.6 |
| Nov | 47.2 | 25.3 | 1.3 |
| Dec | 34 | 14.9 | 1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Yankton 2 E.
| Measure | Yankton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 48.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 73.1°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 23.1°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 28.7 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 Yankton 2 E.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Yankton?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Yankton's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Yankton County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
| Measure | Yankton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#709 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 Yankton County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Yankton County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.033% | 99% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0024% | 95% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0062% | 75% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.003% | 72% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0016% | 70% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.003% | 62% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.088% | 58% 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 Yankton compare with similar-size cities?
Yankton is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #131 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 15,540.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yankton, SDPop. 15,540 | #765 | 53.9 | $67,804 | $790/mo | 191 | 13.3 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 |
| Lebanon, NHPop. 14,999 | #27 | 72.2 | $98,147 | $1,744/mo | 134 | 14 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 Yankton compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Yankton ranks #12 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 53.9 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 12% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 38% 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 Yankton's score calculated?
Yankton scores 53.9 out of 100, #765 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 Yankton. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
28.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Yankton's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
84.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Yankton. Similar-size median 56.5.
52.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Yankton's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
55.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Yankton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
86.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Yankton. Similar-size median 50.8.
43.7 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Yankton. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
38.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Yankton. Similar-size median 48.3.
52.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Yankton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.6 - 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.
47.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Yankton'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 Yankton 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 Yankton
Is Yankton, SD a good place to live?
Yankton ranks #765 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #131 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($790/mo, #17 of 231) and low living costs (86.7, #25 of 230), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Yankton?
Yankton'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 $790/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $276,337, 14% below the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
What is the crime rate in Yankton?
Yankton recorded 191 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% below the US rate of 328 and 38% below South Dakota's 308. That ranks #337 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #65 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Yankton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,456 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Yankton?
The median household in Yankton earns $67,804, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% below South Dakota ($76,881). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Yankton?
Median rent in Yankton is $790/mo (Census), #21 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 14% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Yankton?
The typical home value in Yankton is $276,337, up 1.2% in a year, against $321,574 for South Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $222,700.
How are the public schools in Yankton?
Yankton's 6 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 17 students per teacher and $10,904 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Yankton?
The average commute is 13.3 minutes, #31 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 18.5 minutes across South Dakota. 2.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Yankton?
Yankton averages 48.7°F over the year, 73.1°F in summer and 23.1°F in winter, with 28.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Yankton walkable?
Yankton scores 9.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #812 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 Yankton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Yankton County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
Who lives in Yankton?
Yankton has 15,540 residents. The median resident of Yankton is 41.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 33.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #682 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Yankton compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Yankton ranks #12 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 53.9 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 12% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 38% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% below the typical South Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Yankton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Yankton's population of 15,540 are Chubbuck, ID (#628 overall), Jamestown, ND (#813 overall), Dayton, NV (#887 overall), Rutland, VT (#514 overall), and Clarksburg, WV (#1170 overall). Yankton is #765.