Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Garretson, SD
Garretson, SD is a welcoming small town of about 1,245 residents, offering affordable living with median home prices around $245,000 and rents near $850. The area boasts low crime rates, short 22-minute average commutes, and highly rated public schools. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, 59% sunny days, and close proximity to excellent healthcare in Sioux Falls. With a strong sense of community and a modest cost of living, Garretson is ideal for families or anyone seeking a peaceful, friendly place to call home.
Demographics - Garretson, SD
Demographics - Garretson, SD
Garretson is a close-knit community of approximately 1,245 people, with a median age of 36.4 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, and most residents speak English at home, creating a friendly and familiar small-town atmosphere.
Population:
1,245
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.4
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Garretson, SD?
Garretson offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $245,000 and average rent around $850. With a cost of living index of 84.5 and no state income tax, residents enjoy lower expenses compared to many other U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$245,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
74.0
Utilities:
96.0
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
96.8
Miscellaneous:
94.5
Crime
Is Garretson, SD a safe place to live?
Garretson experiences low crime, with a violent crime rate of just 85 per 100,000 and a 1 in 1,175 chance of becoming a victim. Property crime is also relatively rare, contributing to the town’s reputation for safety and peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
720
Crime Index:
805
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,175
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 139
Weather
What is the weather like in Garretson, SD year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons in Garretson, with warm summers reaching 84°F and cold winters dipping to 7°F. The area receives about 28 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 59% of the year, supporting a variety of outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
26°F

Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
The typical household in Garretson earns around $71,800, while the poverty rate remains low at 6.7%. Most residents have at least a high school education, commute about 22 minutes to work, and the town is known for its welcoming, family-friendly community.
Median Income:
$38,900
Household Income:
$71,800
Family Income:
$86,100
Per Capita Income:
$31,200
Income Male:
$46,500
Income Female:
$35,800
Poverty Rate:
6.7%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
2.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
21.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.0%
Bachelors or More:
27.2%
Education
How are the schools in Garretson, SD?
Garretson’s public schools are well regarded, with small class sizes and a strong focus on student achievement. For higher education, residents are just a short drive from colleges in Sioux Falls, providing easy access to further learning opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Garretson Elementary School
Street:
505 2nd St
Phone:
605-594-3451
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Garretson High School
Street:
505 2nd St
Phone:
605-594-3451
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8

Colleges
Name:
Augustana University
City:
Sioux Falls
State:
SD
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
2,100
Name:
University of Sioux Falls
City:
Sioux Falls
State:
SD
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Garretson residents have convenient access to major medical centers in nearby Sioux Falls, including Avera McKennan Hospital and Sanford USD Medical Center. With 91.5% health insurance coverage and 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people, quality healthcare is readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
Address:
1325 S Cliff Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Phone:
(605) 322-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sanford USD Medical Center
Address:
1305 W 18th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57117
Phone:
(605) 333-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Garretson, SD?
The local housing market is stable, featuring a median home price of $245,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 76.3%. Rental options are affordable, and home values have appreciated by 4.4% in the past year, making Garretson attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$245,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV and driver licensing services for Garretson are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, with resources available online and at the main office in Pierre. Residents benefit from streamlined state-level vehicle and licensing support.
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.