Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Calico, SD
Considering a move to Calico, SD? With a welcoming population of around 1,250, Calico offers affordable living—median homes at $185,000 and average rents just $710. Residents enjoy short commutes (17.5 minutes), low crime, and plenty of sunshine (64% sunny days). The town boasts a close-knit community, good schools, and a relaxed pace, ideal for families seeking a safe, affordable, and friendly South Dakota lifestyle.
Demographics - Calico, SD
Demographics - Calico, SD
Calico, SD is a small and close-knit community of about 1,250 residents, with a median age of 42.1 years. The population is predominantly White (87.2%), with a notable Native American presence, and a balanced gender ratio. A modest percentage of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding some cultural diversity to the town.
Population:
1,250
Density:
310 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.2%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
3.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Calico, SD?
Living in Calico is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $185,000. Rent is affordable at about $710 per month, and residents benefit from no state income tax. Everyday expenses, including utilities and groceries, remain reasonable, making it an attractive choice for families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$710
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.4
Grocery:
94.3
Housing:
71.6
Utilities:
103.2
Transportation:
86.7
Health Care:
97.9
Miscellaneous:
92.5
Crime
Is Calico, SD a safe place to live?
Calico offers a relatively safe environment, with low violent crime rates—about 178 incidents per 100,000 residents—and a 1 in 561 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is somewhat more common but still manageable compared to larger cities. Overall, residents enjoy peace of mind in their day-to-day lives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
178
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,365
Crime Index:
1,543
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 561
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 73
Weather
What is the weather like in Calico, SD year-round?
Calico experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows near 7°F and warm summers peaking around 83°F. The town enjoys about 64% sunny days each year and receives around 21.5 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for those who appreciate changing weather and plenty of sunshine.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
29°F

Spring
Min:
31°F
Max:
58°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
21.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Local households in Calico typically earn a median income of $61,500, while the poverty rate remains moderate at 11.6%. Most adults have completed high school, and a quarter hold a college degree. Commutes are short—averaging just 17.5 minutes—fostering a convenient and comfortable lifestyle.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$61,500
Family Income:
$74,800
Per Capita Income:
$28,400
Income Male:
$39,200
Income Female:
$31,900
Poverty Rate:
11.6%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$710
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
17.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.3%
Bachelors or More:
22.8%
Education
How are the schools in Calico, SD?
Calico’s schools offer a supportive learning environment, with public elementary and high schools providing favorable student-teacher ratios around 13:1. The town also features a private school option and is within easy reach of Black Hills State University, just 27 miles away. Educational attainment in the community is strong, with over 90% of adults holding a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Calico Elementary School
Street:
420 Dakota Ave
Phone:
605-555-1420
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Calico High School
Street:
600 Main St
Phone:
605-555-1600
Students:
310
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9

Private Schools
Name:
St. Agnes Academy
Street:
215 Church St
Phone:
605-555-1212
Students:
98

Colleges
Name:
Black Hills State University
City:
Spearfish
State:
SD
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
4,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to Calico Community Hospital, which provides general and emergency care within city limits. With 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, healthcare services are accessible and reliable for most residents. The area’s healthcare index indicates solid overall health resources for a town its size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Calico Community Hospital
Address:
210 Pine St, Calico, SD 57701
Phone:
(605) 555-2100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.1%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Calico, SD?
The housing market in Calico is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $185,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $710 and a vacancy rate supportive of new arrivals. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, reflecting a steady market.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$710
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Calico residents are served by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing office, located in Pierre. Essential DMV services, including licensing and vehicle registration, are accessible both in person and online. For more information, residents can visit the official state website or contact the DMV by phone.
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.