Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ellsworth Afb, SD
Considering Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD for your next move? The base-area community of about 4,100 has affordable living with a median home price of $245,000 and average rents near $1,200. Residents enjoy short 16.5-minute commutes, low violent crime rates, and over 63% sunny days each year. Education is anchored by Douglas schools nearby, and you'll find easy access to healthcare in Rapid City. With a youthful population and welcoming neighborhoods, Ellsworth AFB offers a friendly, budget-conscious lifestyle.
Demographics - Ellsworth Afb, SD
Demographics - Ellsworth Afb, SD
Ellsworth AFB is home to approximately 4,100 residents, with a notably young median age of 22.5, reflecting its military community roots. The area has a diverse demographic mix and a higher proportion of males, creating a dynamic and vibrant local culture.
Population:
4,100
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
22.5
Gender Ratio:
120 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
74.0%
Black:
8.0%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
15.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ellsworth Afb, SD?
Living in Ellsworth AFB is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $245,000 and rents averaging $1,200. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, and residents benefit from South Dakota’s 0% state income tax.
Median House Value:
$245,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,130
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.0
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
78.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
88.5
Health Care:
98.2
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Ellsworth Afb, SD a safe place to live?
Ellsworth AFB boasts a low violent crime rate of 144 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a safe option for families and individuals. Property crime is also relatively low, contributing to a secure community environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
144
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,260
Crime Index:
1,404
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 695
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 79
Weather
What is the weather like in Ellsworth Afb, SD year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and cold winters dipping to 13°F. The area enjoys 63% sunny days each year and receives about 19 inches of annual rainfall.

Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
19.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
The community enjoys a median household income of $59,800 and a low unemployment rate of 3.1%. Most residents have at least a high school degree, and daily life is convenient with short average commutes of 16.5 minutes.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$59,800
Family Income:
$64,300
Per Capita Income:
$24,600
Income Male:
$32,500
Income Female:
$29,100
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
16.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.2%
Bachelors or More:
26.5%
Education
How are the schools in Ellsworth Afb, SD?
The city is served by Douglas public schools, known for reasonable class sizes and strong community ties, while private and higher education options are easily accessible in nearby Rapid City. Students benefit from a variety of schooling choices, including technical and university-level institutions.

Public Schools
Name:
Douglas High School
Street:
420 Patriot Dr, Box Elder, SD 57719
Phone:
605-923-0030
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Douglas Middle School
Street:
420 Patriot Dr, Box Elder, SD 57719
Phone:
605-923-0040
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7

Private Schools
Name:
Rapid City Christian School
Street:
23757 Arena Dr, Rapid City, SD 57702
Phone:
605-341-3377
Students:
330

Colleges
Name:
Western Dakota Technical College
City:
Rapid City
State:
SD
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
1,300
Name:
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
City:
Rapid City
State:
SD
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong, with nearby Monument Health Rapid City Hospital offering comprehensive services and 92% of residents having health insurance. The area provides 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people for reliable medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Monument Health Rapid City Hospital
Address:
353 Fairmont Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone:
(605) 755-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ellsworth Afb, SD?
Ellsworth AFB’s housing market is stable and accessible, featuring a median home price of $245,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $1,200. Nearly half the residents own their homes, and the area sees steady appreciation with low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$245,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver licensing services are provided by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety in Rapid City, offering convenient access for Ellsworth AFB residents. The office handles all standard DMV needs, from licensing to registration.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety – Driver Licensing
Address:
1301 E. Catron Blvd, 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.