Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Elm Lake, SD
Considering a move to Elm Lake, SD? This peaceful rural community of about 60 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $142,000 and average rents near $690. Crime rates are low, commutes are short at just 19 minutes, and you'll enjoy 61% sunny days each year. While Elm Lake is small, residents benefit from nearby healthcare in Aberdeen and access to quality local schools. If you're seeking quiet living and a close-knit feel, Elm Lake is a hidden South Dakota gem.
Demographics - Elm Lake, SD
Demographics - Elm Lake, SD
Elm Lake is a small, close-knit community of around 60 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 48. The area features a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its cohesive rural character.
Population:
60
Density:
20 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.0
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.0%
Others:
1.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Elm Lake, SD?
Elm Lake offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $142,000 and average rents of $690. Everyday expenses, including groceries and utilities, are below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$142,000
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$960
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.3
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
61.2
Utilities:
96.9
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
90.2
Miscellaneous:
92.5
Crime
Is Elm Lake, SD a safe place to live?
Elm Lake experiences very low crime rates, with only 110 violent crimes and 1,070 property crimes per 100,000 people, giving residents a high sense of safety. The chances of being a crime victim here are significantly lower than in most urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,070
Crime Index:
1,180
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 93
Weather
What is the weather like in Elm Lake, SD year-round?
Residents in Elm Lake enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dropping to 5°F. The area receives about 22.5 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 61% of the year, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
5°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Households in Elm Lake typically earn about $55,300, with a low unemployment rate of 3.1% and a poverty rate of 9.1%. Most neighbors have at least a high school diploma, and commute times are short, averaging just under 20 minutes.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$55,300
Family Income:
$67,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,800
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
9.1%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
22.2%
Education
How are the schools in Elm Lake, SD?
Elm Lake is served by the Frederick Area School District, featuring small class sizes and a low student-teacher ratio. Higher education is accessible with Northern State University just 19 miles away in Aberdeen, expanding options for local students.

Public Schools
Name:
Frederick Area School District 6-2
Street:
202 E Main St, Frederick, SD 57441
Phone:
605-329-2455
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5

Colleges
Name:
Northern State University
City:
Aberdeen
State:
SD
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Healthcare access is convenient, with a major hospital—Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center—located nearby in Aberdeen. The community boasts high health insurance coverage at 90.4% and nearly two physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring quality medical care is within reach.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center
Address:
2905 3rd Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone:
(605) 626-4200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.4%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Elm Lake, SD?
The Elm Lake housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $142,000 and an 89% owner-occupancy rate. Home values have seen modest appreciation, and rental options remain accessible with an average rent of $690 for a two-bedroom.
Median Home Price:
$142,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$690
Owner Occupied Rate:
89.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety in Aberdeen, which offers driver licensing and vehicle registration. The office is conveniently located and provides helpful resources both in person and online.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
420 S. Roosevelt Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401
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.