Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bemis, SD
Considering a move to Bemis, SD? With a close-knit population of around 50, Bemis provides affordable living with median home prices near $105,000 and average rents at $730. Enjoy short commute times (18 minutes), low crime rates, and a high rate of home ownership. Bemis offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with friendly neighbors, strong public schools nearby, and sunny days for much of the year—perfect for those seeking small-town charm and affordable living.
Demographics - Bemis, SD
Bemis, SD is a small, close-knit rural community of about 50 residents, with a median age of 46 and a slight male majority. The population is predominantly White, and the town has a low percentage of non-English speakers, creating a quiet and familiar atmosphere. Its low population density enhances the peaceful, small-town environment.
Population:
50
Density:
30 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.0
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bemis, SD?
Living in Bemis is budget-friendly, with median home values around $105,000 and average rents near $730. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, thanks to affordable housing, utilities, and zero state income taxes. This makes Bemis an attractive choice for those seeking value and simplicity.
Median House Value:
$105,000
Gross Rent:
$730
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,070
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$930
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.0
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
78.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
90.0
Health Care:
91.0
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Bemis, SD a safe place to live?
Bemis experiences low crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 175 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,250 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety, with the chance of violent crime being significantly lower than in many other communities. The peaceful environment supports a relaxed lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
175
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,250
Crime Index:
1,425
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 570
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 80
Weather
What is the weather like in Bemis, SD year-round?
Bemis features four distinct seasons, with warm summers averaging highs of 85°F and cold winters dropping to 7°F. The area receives about 24.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 61% of the year. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety and plenty of sunny days.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
27°F

Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
24.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Neighbors in Bemis typically have a median household income of $58,900 and a low unemployment rate of 2.7%. The community boasts a high rate of high school graduates, and commutes are short, averaging just over 18 minutes. The area’s friendly and stable population contributes to a welcoming small-town feel.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$58,900
Family Income:
$68,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,100
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$730
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
22.0%
Education
How are the schools in Bemis, SD?
Families in Bemis benefit from access to nearby public schools like Castlewood Elementary, which boasts a low student-teacher ratio. For higher education, Lake Area Technical College in Watertown is just 18 miles away and serves over 2,000 students. The area’s strong educational resources support lifelong learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Castlewood Elementary School
Street:
310 Main St, Castlewood, SD 57223
Phone:
605-793-2351
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5

Colleges
Name:
Lake Area Technical College
City:
Watertown
State:
SD
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
2,190
Healthcare
Residents have access to Prairie Lakes Healthcare System in nearby Watertown, offering comprehensive general and emergency care. With about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, the community benefits from reliable healthcare services. The health care index signals good access for a rural area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
Address:
401 9th Ave NW, Watertown, SD 57201
Phone:
(605) 882-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
67.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bemis, SD?
Bemis has a strong housing market with a median home price of $105,000 and high owner-occupancy at 77.5%. Rental vacancies are modest, and home values have appreciated by 3.7% in the past year. The stable market and affordable options make homeownership accessible for many.
Median Home Price:
$105,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$730
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle services for Bemis residents are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, based in Pierre. Services are accessible online or via their main office, providing the support needed for all licensing and registration needs in the state.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
118 West Capitol Avenue, 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.