Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Big Stone, SD
Considering a move to Big Stone, SD? This small, close-knit community of 457 residents offers affordable living with a median home price of $123,500 and average rents around $650. Residents enjoy low crime rates, short average commutes of just 13 minutes, and a peaceful rural lifestyle. With 57% sunny days each year, access to local healthcare, and a student-teacher ratio of 7:1 at the local school, Big Stone is a welcoming choice for those seeking tranquility and value.
Demographics - Big Stone, SD
Demographics - Big Stone, SD
Big Stone is a small, close-knit city with a population of 457, where most residents are over 50 years old and the community is predominantly White. The city has a slightly higher number of males than females and a very low percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a friendly, familiar atmosphere.
Population:
457
Density:
220 per sq mi
Median Age:
50.1
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.1%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
3.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Big Stone, SD?
Living in Big Stone is highly affordable, with a median home value of $123,500 and average rent at $650. The cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking value in housing, utilities, and everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$123,500
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.5
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
61.4
Utilities:
95.2
Transportation:
81.7
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
93.2
Crime
Is Big Stone, SD a safe place to live?
Big Stone boasts low crime rates, with only 146 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and property crimes remaining low as well. Residents enjoy a safe environment, with the odds of experiencing violent crime at just 1 in 685.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
146
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,196
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 685
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Big Stone, SD year-round?
The city experiences classic Midwest seasons, with cold winters, warm summers peaking in the low 80s, and pleasant springs and falls. Residents enjoy about 57% sunny days annually and moderate rainfall, offering a comfortable climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
2°F
Max:
24°F

Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
25.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Big Stone residents enjoy a median household income of $56,200 and a low unemployment rate of 3.1%. The community has a strong educational background, with over 90% holding at least a high school diploma and short average commute times of just over 13 minutes.
Median Income:
$35,700
Household Income:
$56,200
Family Income:
$67,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,400
Income Male:
$38,100
Income Female:
$29,300
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
13.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
20.6%
Education
How are the schools in Big Stone, SD?
Education in Big Stone centers around the local public school, which features small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 7:1. For higher education, residents are within commuting distance of the University of Minnesota Morris, located 48 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Big Stone City School
Street:
655 Walnut Street
Phone:
605-862-8108
Students:
60
Student Teacher Ratio:
7.2

Colleges
Name:
University of Minnesota Morris
City:
Morris
State:
MN
Distance:
48 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are served by nearby Ortonville Area Health Services, offering general and emergency care. Most residents have health insurance, and there are about 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring access to essential medical services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Ortonville Area Health Services
Address:
450 E. State Street, Ortonville, MN 56278
Phone:
(320) 839-6157
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.3%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Big Stone, SD?
The local housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $123,500 and owner-occupancy exceeding 80%. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, and rental options are available with a vacancy rate of 8.5%.
Median Home Price:
$123,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle services are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, with comprehensive resources available online and at their main office in Pierre. Residents can easily access information and complete DMV transactions through the state’s official website.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
118 West 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.