Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Academy, SD
Considering a move to Academy, SD? With a small-town population of around 120, Academy offers a peaceful rural lifestyle and affordable living—median home prices are about $115,000 and rents average $700. Commute times are short at just over 17 minutes, and crime is low, with only 170 violent crimes per 100k people. Enjoy plenty of sunny days (62% annually), a friendly community, and access to local schools and nearby healthcare facilities. Academy is a great fit for those seeking quiet, space, and small-town charm.
Demographics - Academy, SD
Demographics - Academy, SD
Academy, SD is a small and close-knit community of about 120 residents, with a median age of 48.2 reflecting a mature population. The area is predominantly White at over 93%, and features a balanced gender ratio, making it a welcoming place for families and retirees seeking a peaceful rural setting.
Population:
120
Density:
25 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.5%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Academy, SD?
Living in Academy is notably affordable, with a median home value of $115,000 and average rent around $700. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, and residents benefit from low state income taxes and reasonable utility costs.
Median House Value:
$115,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.2
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
63.4
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
86.5
Health Care:
93.2
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Academy, SD a safe place to live?
Academy experiences very low crime rates, with just 170 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a low chance of property crime. This makes it a safe environment ideal for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
170
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,440
Crime Index:
1,610
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Academy, SD year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 7°F. The area sees about 23 inches of yearly rainfall and enjoys sunshine 62% of the year, making it attractive for those who appreciate varied weather.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
27°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The community boasts a median household income of $55,200 and a low unemployment rate of 3.1%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the typical commute is a short 17 minutes, fostering a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$55,200
Family Income:
$63,800
Per Capita Income:
$28,900
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
10.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.1%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.5%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in Academy, SD?
Academy offers access to quality public schools like Platte-Geddes Elementary and High School, both featuring small class sizes for personalized learning. Private education is available at St. Joseph’s Indian School, and higher education is within reach at Mitchell Technical College, just 48 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Platte-Geddes Elementary School
Street:
400 Illinois Ave, Platte, SD 57369
Phone:
605-337-2468
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Platte-Geddes High School
Street:
400 Illinois Ave, Platte, SD 57369
Phone:
605-337-3391
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.7

Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph’s Indian School
Street:
1301 N Main St, Chamberlain, SD 57325
Phone:
605-234-3300
Students:
200

Colleges
Name:
Mitchell Technical College
City:
Mitchell
State:
SD
Distance:
48 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Academy residents have access to nearby hospitals such as Sanford Chamberlain Medical Center and Winner Regional Healthcare Center, both offering general and emergency services. With a physician ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, quality healthcare is within easy reach.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sanford Chamberlain Medical Center
Address:
300 S Byron Blvd, Chamberlain, SD 57325
Phone:
(605) 734-4111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Winner Regional Healthcare Center
Address:
745 E 8th St, Winner, SD 57580
Phone:
(605) 842-7100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
66.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Academy, SD?
The housing market in Academy is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $115,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 81.5%. Rental options are available with average rents at $700, and the area sees modest home appreciation, making it attractive for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$115,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Driver’s licensing and vehicle registration services are handled by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, located in Pierre. Residents can access resources and renewals online or visit the main office for in-person assistance.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
118 W. Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone:
1-605-773-6883
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.