Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Deadwood, SD
Considering a move to Deadwood, SD? With a friendly population of just over 1,100, Deadwood offers affordable living—median home prices are around $188,000 and average rents about $825. Residents enjoy quick commutes averaging 14 minutes, a low cost of living, and the historic charm of a scenic Black Hills town. While crime rates are slightly above national averages, Deadwood features strong local schools and easy access to outdoor recreation, all in a climate with four distinct seasons and plenty of sunny days.
Demographics - Deadwood, SD
Demographics - Deadwood, SD
Deadwood is a close-knit city with a population of just over 1,150 residents and a median age of 53, reflecting a mature community. The area is predominantly White at 92.7%, with a small but present Native American population, and has a slightly higher ratio of males to females. The city’s moderate population density and low percentage of non-English speakers create a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
1,156
Density:
580 per sq mi
Median Age:
53.1
Gender Ratio:
107 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.7%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Deadwood, SD?
Living in Deadwood is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $188,000 and average rents around $825 per month. The cost of living index is 91.2, below the national average, and housing costs are especially reasonable. Residents also benefit from South Dakota's 0% state income tax, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$188,000
Gross Rent:
$825
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.2
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
74.5
Utilities:
92.0
Transportation:
82.1
Health Care:
93.8
Miscellaneous:
91.5
Crime
Is Deadwood, SD a safe place to live?
Deadwood experiences crime rates that are somewhat higher than the national average, with a 1 in 476 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 47 chance for property crime. While the city is generally safe for a small town, newcomers should be mindful of property crime and take standard precautions. The overall crime index reflects that safety is a consideration but not an overwhelming concern.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,120
Crime Index:
2,330
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Deadwood, SD year-round?
Deadwood offers four distinct seasons, with warm summers averaging highs around 81°F and cold winters dipping to lows near 14°F. The city receives about 28 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine approximately 60% of the year. Residents can expect crisp autumns, snowy winters, and pleasant springs, making it ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
59°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
28.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Deadwood tend to be friendly and stable, with a median household income of $48,120 and an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Most residents enjoy short commutes of about 14 minutes, and over 91% have at least a high school diploma. The area maintains a modest poverty rate of 12.7% and features a strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$29,900
Household Income:
$48,120
Family Income:
$63,500
Per Capita Income:
$31,920
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$27,500
Poverty Rate:
12.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$825
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
13.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
22.5%
Education
How are the schools in Deadwood, SD?
Deadwood is served by local public schools, including Lead-Deadwood Elementary and High School, with manageable student-teacher ratios around 14:1. For higher education, Black Hills State University is just 13 miles away in Spearfish, offering numerous academic and cultural opportunities. The area boasts a high school graduation rate of over 91%, supporting a well-educated community.
Public Schools
Name:
Lead-Deadwood Elementary School
Street:
716 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732
Phone:
605-717-3890
Students:
375
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Lead-Deadwood High School
Street:
320 S Main St, Lead, SD 57754
Phone:
605-717-3899
Students:
275
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Colleges
Name:
Black Hills State University
City:
Spearfish
State:
SD
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Deadwood is anchored by the Monument Health Lead-Deadwood Hospital, offering general and emergency services. With about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, residents have good access to medical care for a city of its size. The local healthcare index indicates reliable services with reasonable availability.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Monument Health Lead-Deadwood Hospital
Address:
61 Charles St, Deadwood, SD 57732
Phone:
(605) 717-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Deadwood, SD?
Deadwood’s housing market is attractive for buyers and renters alike, with median home prices at $188,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $825. A majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen home values appreciate by over 8% in the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, making it relatively easy to find housing.
Median Home Price:
$188,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$825
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle services for Deadwood residents are provided by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, with the nearest office located in Rapid City. The DMV offers essential services such as license renewals and vehicle registration both in-person and online. Detailed information and resources can be accessed through the state’s official website.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
130 Kansas City St, Rapid City, SD 57701
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.