Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Aurora Center, SD
Considering a move to Aurora Center, SD? This tiny rural community of just 47 residents offers tranquil living, extremely affordable housing (median home price $84,000, rent $620), and very low crime rates. Commute times average a quick 19 minutes, while cost of living is well below the national average. While education options are limited locally, nearby schools and South Dakota State University are within reach. With 60% sunny days and a close-knit atmosphere, Aurora Center is ideal for those seeking peace, space, and affordability.
Demographics - Aurora Center, SD
Demographics - Aurora Center, SD
Aurora Center is a quiet rural community with a population of just 47, predominantly White, and a notably high median age of 54.2 years. The area has a slightly higher number of males than females, and almost everyone speaks English, contributing to a close-knit and traditional small-town atmosphere.
Population:
47
Density:
47 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.2
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
1.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Aurora Center, SD?
Living in Aurora Center is very affordable, with a median home value of $84,000 and average rent around $620. The overall cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$84,000
Gross Rent:
$620
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.2
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
95.5
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
100.6
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Aurora Center, SD a safe place to live?
Aurora Center experiences very low crime, with only 85 violent crimes and 1,140 property crimes per 100,000 residents, offering newcomers a safe and secure environment. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is just 1 in 1,175, which is much lower than in most cities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,140
Crime Index:
1,225
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,175
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 88
Weather
What is the weather like in Aurora Center, SD year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, from cold winters with lows around 6°F to warm summer highs reaching 85°F. The area receives about 23 inches of annual rainfall and has sunshine about 60% of the year, making for a pleasant and varied climate.

Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
27°F

Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
The community is modestly prosperous, with a median household income of $56,400 and a low unemployment rate of 2.2%. Educational attainment is strong, with over 91% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, and daily life is peaceful with minimal traffic or public transit use.
Median Income:
$37,000
Household Income:
$56,400
Family Income:
$61,000
Per Capita Income:
$29,700
Income Male:
$36,900
Income Female:
$31,800
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
1.5%
Rent:
$620
Unemployment Rate:
2.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
19.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.4%
Bachelors or More:
23.1%
Education
How are the schools in Aurora Center, SD?
While local public school options are limited, Iroquois Elementary serves area students with small class sizes, and higher education is accessible at South Dakota State University, located about 42 miles away in Brookings.

Public Schools
Name:
Iroquois Elementary School
Street:
111 E Washita Ave
Phone:
605-546-2210
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
11:1

Colleges
Name:
South Dakota State University
City:
Brookings
State:
SD
Distance:
42 miles
Students:
11,400
Healthcare
Healthcare services are accessible, with a general hospital and clinic located nearby in De Smet, and over 91% of residents have health insurance coverage. The area maintains a favorable healthcare index and offers essential emergency and primary care options.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Avera De Smet Memorial Hospital
Address:
306 Prairie Ave SW, De Smet, SD 57231
Phone:
(605) 854-3329
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sanford Clinic De Smet
Address:
306 Prairie Ave SW, De Smet, SD 57231
Phone:
(605) 854-3456
Type:
Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Aurora Center, SD?
Aurora Center's housing market is highly affordable, with the median home price at $84,000 and the vast majority of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are limited but reasonably priced, and the area experiences stable home values with low foreclosure and vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$84,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$620
Owner Occupied Rate:
87.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety for all DMV needs, with the main office located in Pierre and convenient access to licensing and registration services both in person and online.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DMV)
Address:
118 W Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone:
(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.