Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Box Elder, SD
Thinking of moving to Box Elder, SD? With a youthful population of 12,000 and an affordable median home price around $262,000, Box Elder offers a low cost of living, short average commutes of 18.5 minutes, and access to quality schools in the Douglas district. The area enjoys a sunny climate with 62% sunny days, and local crime rates are moderate for the region. Proximity to Rapid City brings additional amenities, healthcare, and higher education options within easy reach—making Box Elder a great choice for families and newcomers alike.
Demographics - Box Elder, SD
Demographics - Box Elder, SD
Box Elder is home to about 12,000 residents, with a notably young median age of 26.4 years and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White but has a growing diversity, and just over 5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This youthful and diverse population creates a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
12,000
Density:
520 per sq mi
Median Age:
26.4
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
76.2%
Black:
3.0%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
19.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Box Elder, SD?
Box Elder features a cost of living index of 92.3, making it more affordable than the national average. With a median home value of $262,000 and typical rent around $1,130, housing costs are accessible for families and individuals. Residents also benefit from South Dakota's 0% state income tax, adding to the area's overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$262,000
Gross Rent:
$1,130
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.3
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
84.0
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
93.0
Health Care:
98.2
Miscellaneous:
94.5
Crime
Is Box Elder, SD a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Box Elder are moderate for the region, with a violent crime rate of 314 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,100 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a property crime is about 1 in 48, while violent crime risk is 1 in 318. Residents find that while safety is generally good, it is wise to stay informed and take standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
314
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,414
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 318
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Box Elder, SD year-round?
Box Elder experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and winters dipping to lows around 14°F. The city enjoys a pleasant climate with 62% sunny days annually and receives about 18.8 inches of rainfall per year. This weather supports an active outdoor lifestyle and diverse recreational opportunities.
Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of Box Elder enjoy a median household income of $76,000, with a low unemployment rate of 3.2% and a poverty rate of 8.4%. Most neighbors commute just under 19 minutes to work, and educational attainment is strong, with 92% holding a high school diploma or higher. The community is friendly and family-oriented, with stable incomes and a welcoming atmosphere.
Median Income:
$39,100
Household Income:
$76,000
Family Income:
$81,500
Per Capita Income:
$27,500
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$31,800
Poverty Rate:
8.4%
Non English Speakers:
5.5%
Rent:
$1,130
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
18.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
17.4%
Education
How are the schools in Box Elder, SD?
Box Elder's public schools, including Douglas Middle School and Vandenberg Elementary, offer quality education with favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Higher education is easily accessible, with Western Dakota Technical College and South Dakota School of Mines & Technology located within 15 miles. The city supports strong educational opportunities for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Douglas Middle School
Street:
401 Tower Road
Phone:
605-923-0044
Students:
830
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Name:
Vandenberg Elementary School
Street:
520 N. Ellsworth Rd
Phone:
605-923-0070
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Colleges
Name:
Western Dakota Technical College
City:
Rapid City
State:
SD
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
1,250
Name:
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
City:
Rapid City
State:
SD
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Box Elder residents have access to quality medical care, including nearby Monument Health Rapid City Hospital with emergency services. The area offers a good ratio of physicians at 2.1 per 1,000 people, and over 91% of residents are covered by health insurance. Healthcare in the city is reliable and accessible for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Monument Health Rapid City Hospital
Address:
353 Fairmont Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone:
(605) 755-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
72.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Box Elder, SD?
The housing market in Box Elder is stable, with a median home price of $262,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment around $1,130. About half of the residents own their homes, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.3%, reflecting a healthy and balanced real estate environment. Home appreciation remains steady, making it a solid choice for buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$262,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,130
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver services for Box Elder residents are conveniently managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety in nearby Rapid City. The office provides licensing, renewals, and other motor vehicle services, with information and appointments available online. This easy access ensures a smooth experience for new and current drivers.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
1301 E. Catron Blvd, 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.