Everything You Should Know Before Moving to De Smet, SD
Thinking about moving to De Smet, SD? This friendly small town of just over 1,000 residents offers a low cost of living, with median home prices at $130,000 and average rents around $760. De Smet boasts low violent crime (97 per 100k), short average commutes of 12 minutes, and a close-knit community feel. With strong public schools, a local hospital, and plenty of sunny days, De Smet is perfect for those seeking affordable, quiet living and a charming rural atmosphere.
Demographics - De Smet, SD
Demographics - De Smet, SD
De Smet is a small, close-knit community of just over 1,000 residents, with a median age of 48.1 and a population density of 920 people per square mile. The town is predominantly White, and most residents speak English at home, contributing to a friendly, familiar atmosphere.
Population:
1,027
Density:
920 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.1
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.3%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in De Smet, SD?
With a cost of living index of 85.1, De Smet is notably affordable compared to national averages. Housing is especially budget-friendly, with a median home value of $130,000 and average rents around $760, while state income tax is 0%, making it an economical choice for families and retirees alike.
Median House Value:
$130,000
Gross Rent:
$760
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.1
Grocery:
92.4
Housing:
61.2
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
92.8
Health Care:
94.5
Miscellaneous:
89.2
Crime
Is De Smet, SD a safe place to live?
De Smet enjoys a low crime rate, with just 97 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 1,030 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Property crime rates are also modest, helping contribute to the town's safe, peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
97
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,020
Crime Index:
1,117
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,030
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in De Smet, SD year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 6°F. The area receives about 22 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly 62% of the year, providing a pleasant balance for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The median household income in De Smet is $54,300, and the poverty rate is relatively low at 8.8%. The community is well-educated, with over 92% holding at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are short, fostering a relaxed, neighborly lifestyle.
Median Income:
$33,700
Household Income:
$54,300
Family Income:
$65,200
Per Capita Income:
$27,500
Income Male:
$39,500
Income Female:
$32,200
Poverty Rate:
8.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$760
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
12.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.9%
Bachelors or More:
26.5%
Education
How are the schools in De Smet, SD?
De Smet features strong public schools with small class sizes, such as De Smet High School and Elementary School, allowing for personalized attention. For higher education, South Dakota State University is located just 36 miles away, providing broader academic opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
De Smet High School
Street:
405 3rd St SW
Phone:
605-854-3674
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.3
Name:
De Smet Elementary School
Street:
405 3rd St SW
Phone:
605-854-3674
Students:
140
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2

Colleges
Name:
South Dakota State University
City:
Brookings
State:
SD
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
11,400
Healthcare
De Smet offers access to quality healthcare, including a local critical access hospital and additional facilities within a short drive. Health insurance coverage is high at 91.2%, and residents benefit from a solid healthcare infrastructure for a town of its size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
De Smet Hospital Avera
Address:
306 Prairie Ave SW, De Smet, SD 57231
Phone:
(605) 854-3329
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Brookings Health System
Address:
300 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone:
(605) 696-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
67.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in De Smet, SD?
The housing market in De Smet is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $130,000 and over 72% of homes being owner-occupied. Rental options are available with an average 2-bedroom rent of $760, and the area sees steady home appreciation and low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$130,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$760
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Driver licensing services in De Smet are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, with the main office located in Pierre. Residents can access resources and information online or by phone for licensing and vehicle registration 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.