Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bison, SD
Considering a move to Bison, SD? This welcoming small town of around 320 residents offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home prices at just $97,000 and rents averaging $570. Bison boasts low crime rates, short 11-minute commutes, and a close-knit community. Enjoy wide-open skies with 67% sunny days per year and access to solid local schools. Its rural charm and cost of living well below the national average make Bison a great choice for those seeking peace and value.
Demographics - Bison, SD
Bison, SD is a small, close-knit community with about 320 residents and a median age of 48, reflecting a mature population. The town is predominantly White, with over 94% of residents identifying as such, and has a nearly balanced gender ratio. Its low population density offers a peaceful rural atmosphere appealing to those seeking quiet living.
Population:
320
Density:
250 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.0
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
5.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bison, SD?
Living in Bison is highly affordable, with a median home value of just $97,000 and average rents around $570. The overall cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making expenses for housing, groceries, and utilities manageable. Residents also benefit from South Dakota's 0% state income tax, enhancing take-home pay.
Median House Value:
$97,000
Gross Rent:
$570
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$860
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
62.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
78.0
Health Care:
88.0
Miscellaneous:
82.0
Crime
Is Bison, SD a safe place to live?
Bison boasts a very low crime rate, with only 85 violent and 530 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it one of the safer small towns in the region. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is just 1 in 1,175, giving peace of mind to families and retirees alike. This safe environment contributes to the town’s welcoming, neighborly feel.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
530
Crime Index:
615
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,175
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 189
Weather
What is the weather like in Bison, SD year-round?
Bison experiences a true four-season climate, with cold winters dropping to 7°F and warm summers reaching up to 86°F. The area receives about 17 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 67% sunny days, ideal for those who appreciate bright, open skies. Residents should be prepared for brisk winters and mild, pleasant summers.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
30°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
The median household income in Bison is $56,200, with most residents enjoying short commutes of just over 11 minutes. The community has a low unemployment rate and a high percentage of high school graduates, reflecting a stable local economy. With a poverty rate just above 10%, Bison provides a modest yet comfortable lifestyle for its residents.
Median Income:
$40,000
Household Income:
$56,200
Family Income:
$65,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,800
Income Male:
$36,500
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
10.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.8%
Rent:
$570
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
11.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
17.8%
Education
How are the schools in Bison, SD?
Local students attend Bison High School and Bison Elementary, both known for small class sizes and individualized attention. The community does not have private schools, but higher education is accessible at Dickinson State University, located about 82 miles away. Bison’s strong public school system ensures a supportive learning environment for children.
Public Schools
Name:
Bison High School
Street:
315 1st Ave
Phone:
605-244-5271
Students:
60
Student Teacher Ratio:
7.5
Name:
Bison Elementary School
Street:
315 1st Ave
Phone:
605-244-5271
Students:
70
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.0
Colleges
Name:
Dickinson State University
City:
Dickinson
State:
ND
Distance:
82 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Bison residents have access to general and surgical care at the nearby West River Regional Medical Center, along with a strong health insurance coverage rate of 91.7%. With 1.3 physicians per 1,000 people, essential healthcare needs are met locally. The community’s healthcare index indicates reliable services for families and seniors.
Major Hospitals
Name:
West River Regional Medical Center
Address:
1000 Highway 12, Hettinger, ND 58639
Phone:
(701) 567-4561
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bison, SD?
The housing market in Bison is favorable for buyers, with a median home price of $97,000 and a high owner-occupied rate of 72.1%. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is just $570, and home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates make for a stable and affordable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$97,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$570
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Bison residents can access licensing services through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, located in Pierre. The state DMV offers comprehensive driver and vehicle services, with information and scheduling available online. This centralized system makes managing driving needs straightforward for locals.
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.