Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cheyenne River Reservation, SD
Planning a move to Cheyenne River Reservation, SD? Home to about 8,500 residents, this rural area offers affordable living with median home prices around $68,000 and average rents at $570. Residents experience a low cost of living, wide-open spaces, and a rich Native American heritage. Commutes are short (about 19 minutes), and while poverty and unemployment rates are higher than average, the community features sunny weather, local healthcare, and public schools. Explore the friendly culture, scenic prairie landscape, and welcoming small-town lifestyle.
Demographics - Cheyenne River Reservation, SD
Demographics - Cheyenne River Reservation, SD
Cheyenne River Reservation has a population of around 8,500, with a youthful median age of 27.5 and a strong Native American presence making up 85% of residents. The community is characterized by low population density and a notable portion of households where a language other than English is spoken at home.
Population:
8,500
Density:
3.5 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
11.0%
Black:
0.5%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cheyenne River Reservation, SD?
Living costs in Cheyenne River Reservation are attractively low, with a median home value of $68,000 and average rents at $570. Residents benefit from no state income tax and affordable utility expenses, making the area accessible for families and individuals seeking budget-friendly lifestyles.
Median House Value:
$68,000
Gross Rent:
$570
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
96.5
Housing:
54.0
Utilities:
94.5
Transportation:
90.1
Health Care:
98.6
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Cheyenne River Reservation, SD a safe place to live?
Crime rates in the area are moderate, with roughly 480 violent crimes and 1,820 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. While the chance of experiencing property crime is higher than national averages, the community remains close-knit and vigilant.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
480
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,820
Crime Index:
2,300
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 210
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 55
Weather
What is the weather like in Cheyenne River Reservation, SD year-round?
Residents enjoy a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, where winter lows dip to 4°F and summer highs reach 86°F. The region receives about 18.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 62% of days, making for pleasant outdoor living.

Winter
Min:
4°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Cheyenne River Reservation typically earn a median income of $34,800, though nearly 40% of residents live below the poverty line. Commutes are short, and while educational attainment is below national averages, the community’s rich cultural heritage fosters strong local ties.
Median Income:
$24,000
Household Income:
$34,800
Family Income:
$37,000
Per Capita Income:
$12,900
Income Male:
$29,000
Income Female:
$22,500
Poverty Rate:
39.5%
Non English Speakers:
23.0%
Rent:
$570
Unemployment Rate:
12.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
19.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
74.1%
Bachelors or More:
10.3%
Education
How are the schools in Cheyenne River Reservation, SD?
Public schools in the area, such as Eagle Butte High School, offer reasonable student-to-teacher ratios, and higher education is accessible at Oglala Lakota College’s local campus. While private education options are limited, the region prioritizes educational resources within its rural setting.

Public Schools
Name:
Eagle Butte High School
Street:
200 Eagle Butte St
Phone:
605-964-8744
Students:
490
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Cheyenne-Eagle Butte Elementary
Street:
123 Main St
Phone:
605-964-8744
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1

Colleges
Name:
Oglala Lakota College - Eagle Butte Center
City:
Eagle Butte
State:
SD
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
220
Name:
Sinte Gleska University
City:
Mission
State:
SD
Distance:
97 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Healthcare is served locally by the Cheyenne River Health Center and Indian Health Service, offering general, outpatient, and emergency care. While physician availability is limited at 0.8 per 1,000 residents, about 74% have health insurance coverage.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Cheyenne River Health Center
Address:
24276 166th St, Eagle Butte, SD 57625
Phone:
(605) 964-7732
Type:
General & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Indian Health Service Eagle Butte
Address:
24276 166th St, Eagle Butte, SD 57625
Phone:
(605) 964-7724
Type:
Native American Health Service
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
74.0%
Health Care Index:
65.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cheyenne River Reservation, SD?
The housing market is very affordable, with a median home price of $68,000 and 58% owner-occupancy. Rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent at $570, and the area sees modest home appreciation and low new construction rates.
Median Home Price:
$68,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$570
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.3%
DMV Information
Driver services are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, with the closest office in Pierre. Residents can access licensing and vehicle registration support either in person or online through the state DMV website.
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.