Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Buffalo Ridge, SD
Considering a move to Buffalo Ridge, SD? With a small, friendly population of around 180 residents, this rural community offers affordable living with median home prices at $165,000 and rents averaging $720. Residents enjoy a safe environment (violent crime: 98 per 100k), short 21-minute commutes, and over 61% sunny days each year. While education options are limited locally, nearby schools and South Dakota State University are accessible. Buffalo Ridge is ideal for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle and low cost of living.
Demographics - Buffalo Ridge, SD
Demographics - Buffalo Ridge, SD
Buffalo Ridge is a small, close-knit community of about 180 residents, with a median age of 46.2 and a population density of 45 people per square mile. The population is predominantly White, and the town has a balanced gender ratio, making it a welcoming place for families or retirees seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Population:
180
Density:
45 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Buffalo Ridge, SD?
Living in Buffalo Ridge is highly affordable, with median home values around $165,000 and average rents at $720 per month. The cost of living index is below the national average, and residents benefit from no state income tax in South Dakota.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,170
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.5
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
72.0
Utilities:
96.0
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Buffalo Ridge, SD a safe place to live?
Buffalo Ridge offers a safe environment, with violent crime rates at just 98 per 100,000 residents and property crime risks remaining low. The tight-knit nature of the community helps support a peaceful and secure atmosphere for residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
98
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,218
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,020
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Buffalo Ridge, SD year-round?
Buffalo Ridge experiences classic Midwest seasons, with cold winters dipping to 7°F, warm summers reaching 84°F, and about 61% of the year filled with sunny days. Annual rainfall is moderate, creating a climate suitable for those who enjoy a mix of all four seasons.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
24.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The area enjoys a median household income of $58,000 and a low unemployment rate of 2.7%. With an average commute time of just over 21 minutes and a high percentage of high school graduates, residents benefit from a stable and supportive local network.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$58,000
Family Income:
$67,500
Per Capita Income:
$28,000
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
10.9%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
21.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.5%
Bachelors or More:
18.0%
Education
How are the schools in Buffalo Ridge, SD?
Educational resources include the nearby Flandreau Elementary School with small class sizes, and South Dakota State University just 21 miles away in Brookings. While options within the town are limited, families benefit from access to quality public schools and higher education in the region.
Public Schools
Name:
Flandreau Elementary School
Street:
500 W Community Dr
Phone:
605-997-2780
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Colleges
Name:
South Dakota State University
City:
Brookings
State:
SD
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
11,500
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, including general and surgical hospitals in nearby Flandreau and Brookings. With 92% health insurance coverage and a good ratio of physicians, Buffalo Ridge ensures essential medical services are within reach.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Avera Flandreau Hospital
Address:
214 N Prairie St, Flandreau, SD 57028
Phone:
(605) 997-2492
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sanford Hospital Brookings
Address:
300 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone:
(605) 696-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
73.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Buffalo Ridge, SD?
The housing market in Buffalo Ridge is favorable for buyers, featuring a median home price of $165,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of nearly 80%. Rental options are available, and the area has seen modest home appreciation over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Buffalo Ridge residents are served by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety for driver licensing, offering services in Pierre and online for convenience. The state provides straightforward access to vehicle and licensing needs.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
118 W 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.