Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Craven, SD
Craven, SD is a small rural community with an estimated population under 100, offering an affordable median home price of $126,000 and low average rent at $675. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace with short commutes (around 19 minutes), low crime rates, and over 60% sunny days each year. While educational options are limited locally, nearby schools and colleges serve families, and cost of living is well below the national average. Craven is ideal for those seeking quiet living, affordable housing, and classic South Dakota prairie climate.
Demographics - Craven, SD
Demographics - Craven, SD
Craven, SD is a very small rural community with an estimated population of fewer than 100 people, a median age of 45.6 years, and a slight male majority. The population is predominantly White, and the low density of about 5 residents per square mile gives the area a distinctly quiet, open feel.
Population:
Estimated <100
Density:
Approx. 5 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.6
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.5%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
16.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Craven, SD?
Craven offers a highly affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $126,000, average rent around $675, and no state income tax. The cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making it attractive for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$126,000
Gross Rent:
$675
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$132
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
86.5
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
71.0
Utilities:
91.0
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Craven, SD a safe place to live?
Craven is a safe place to live, with a low violent crime rate of 160 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate well below urban averages. Residents enjoy peace of mind thanks to the low overall risk of crime.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
160
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,450
Crime Index:
1,610
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 625
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Craven, SD year-round?
Craven experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 7°F and warm summers reaching highs of 86°F. The area enjoys around 63% sunny days annually and receives about 20.5 inches of rainfall each year.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
29°F

Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Residents in Craven benefit from a median household income of $57,200 and a low unemployment rate of just 2.5%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and commutes are short, typically under 20 minutes.
Median Income:
$39,000
Household Income:
$57,200
Family Income:
$62,800
Per Capita Income:
$29,700
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$29,200
Poverty Rate:
11.3%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$675
Unemployment Rate:
2.5%
Public Transport Usage:
<1%
Commute Time:
18.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.6%
Bachelors or More:
23.2%
Education
How are the schools in Craven, SD?
Educational opportunities in Craven include Sully Buttes High School with a low student-teacher ratio, and higher education options like Lake Area Technical College located about 85 miles away. While local options are limited, families can access quality schools and technical training in the region.

Public Schools
Name:
Sully Buttes High School
Street:
700 Ash St, Onida, SD 57564
Phone:
605-258-2617
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5

Colleges
Name:
Lake Area Technical College
City:
Watertown
State:
SD
Distance:
85 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Craven is anchored by nearby facilities like Avera St. Mary’s Hospital, with nearly 90% of residents having health insurance. While physician availability is lower than average, essential medical services are within reach.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Avera St. Mary’s Hospital
Address:
801 E Sioux Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone:
(605) 224-3161
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Craven, SD?
The housing market in Craven is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $126,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 77%. Rental options are available, and the area sees modest home appreciation and very low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$126,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$675
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle services for Craven residents are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety in Pierre, providing convenient access to essential DMV resources locally and online.
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.