Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Belle Fourche, SD
Thinking of relocating to Belle Fourche, SD? With a welcoming population of around 5,700, this charming city features affordable living—median home prices are about $230,000 and average rents just $870. Residents enjoy short commute times (16.5 minutes), a low cost of living, and plenty of sunshine (68% sunny days). Crime rates are moderate for the region, and while education attainment is lower than national averages, Belle Fourche offers a friendly community, easy access to healthcare, and the beautiful scenery of western South Dakota.
Demographics - Belle Fourche, SD
Demographics - Belle Fourche, SD
Belle Fourche is home to approximately 5,700 residents, with a median age of 39.2 and a population density of 1,100 per square mile. The city is predominantly White (92%), with small Native American and Hispanic communities, and around 3.4% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender balance is fairly even, making for a diverse and family-friendly environment.
Population:
5,700
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Belle Fourche, SD?
Belle Fourche offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $230,000 and average rent around $870 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average at 87.4, and South Dakota’s lack of state income tax further benefits residents. Everyday expenses like utilities and groceries also remain manageable, making the city attractive for budget-conscious families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$230,000
Gross Rent:
$870
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,110
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.4
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
76.4
Utilities:
98.1
Transportation:
94.6
Health Care:
96.5
Miscellaneous:
92.3
Crime
Is Belle Fourche, SD a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Belle Fourche are moderate for the region, with violent crime occurring at a rate of 242 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime at 1,540 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 413, while the chance of property crime is 1 in 65. Residents generally find the city to be safe, with crime levels comparable to many similar-sized communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
242
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,540
Crime Index:
1,782
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 413
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Belle Fourche, SD year-round?
Belle Fourche enjoys a four-season climate with warm summers reaching average highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 14°F at night. The city receives about 17.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 68% sunny days, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures, making the area appealing for those who appreciate seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Local households in Belle Fourche have a median income of $57,000, with a poverty rate of 12.9%. The majority of residents have at least a high school diploma, and unemployment remains low at 3.1%. Most people enjoy short commutes averaging about 16.5 minutes and benefit from a supportive, community-oriented atmosphere.
Median Income:
$34,100
Household Income:
$57,000
Family Income:
$65,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,000
Income Male:
$39,500
Income Female:
$32,800
Poverty Rate:
12.9%
Non English Speakers:
3.4%
Rent:
$870
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
16.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.2%
Bachelors or More:
19.2%
Education
How are the schools in Belle Fourche, SD?
Belle Fourche offers quality public schooling with manageable class sizes, such as Belle Fourche High School and South Park Elementary, supporting a student-teacher ratio around 14:1. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is easily accessible at Black Hills State University, located just 13 miles away. The city’s commitment to education makes it a strong choice for families.

Public Schools
Name:
Belle Fourche High School
Street:
2305 13th Ave
Phone:
605-723-3359
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
South Park Elementary School
Street:
1805 13th Ave
Phone:
605-723-3382
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1

Colleges
Name:
Black Hills State University
City:
Spearfish
State:
SD
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to medical care at the Monument Health Belle Fourche Clinic, with more advanced and emergency services available nearby in Spearfish. The area offers about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, and nearly 89% of residents have health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are considered accessible and reliable for most local needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Monument Health Belle Fourche Clinic
Address:
2200 13th Ave, Belle Fourche, SD 57717
Phone:
(605) 723-8970
Type:
General & Family Medicine
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Spearfish Hospital (nearby)
Address:
1440 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783
Phone:
(605) 644-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.1%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Belle Fourche, SD?
The Belle Fourche housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price around $230,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $870. About 68% of residents own their homes, and the area experiences a low foreclosure rate of 0.3%. Home values have appreciated modestly over the past year, making it an appealing place for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$230,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$870
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle registration in Belle Fourche are managed through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, with the nearest major office located in Rapid City. Residents can access DMV services both in-person and online for convenience. The department provides comprehensive guidelines for obtaining or renewing licenses and vehicle titles.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
130 Kansas City St, Rapid City, SD 57701
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.