Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gopher, SD
Considering a move to Gopher, SD? This friendly small town of 780 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $157,000 and average rents at $700. You'll enjoy a low cost of living, short average commutes of 18.4 minutes, and plenty of sunny days (62% annually). Gopher's crime rates are low, schools have favorable student-teacher ratios, and outdoor lovers will appreciate the classic four-season climate. Explore the details below and see why Gopher could be a great fit for your next home.
Demographics - Gopher, SD
Demographics - Gopher, SD
Gopher, SD is a small, close-knit community of 780 residents, featuring a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 43.2 years. The population is predominantly White, with over 91% representation, and about 4% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its low population density creates a relaxed, open atmosphere ideal for those seeking small-town living.
Population:
780
Density:
25 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.5%
Black:
1.4%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
6.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gopher, SD?
Living in Gopher is highly affordable, with a cost of living index of 91.2—well below the national average. Median home values hover around $157,000, and average rents are just $700 per month, making it an attractive option for both homeowners and renters. The absence of state income tax and reasonable utility costs further enhance the town’s affordability.
Median House Value:
$157,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.2
Grocery:
95.6
Housing:
76.2
Utilities:
98.1
Transportation:
89.4
Health Care:
93.5
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Gopher, SD a safe place to live?
Gopher experiences low crime, with a violent crime rate of 181 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,120 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a relatively safe environment, with a 1 in 552 chance of being a victim of violent crime. This peaceful atmosphere is appealing for families and those seeking a secure place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
181
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,301
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 552
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Gopher, SD year-round?
Gopher has a classic four-season climate, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F and cold winters dipping to 6°F. The town enjoys about 62% sunny days each year and receives an average annual rainfall of 23.5 inches. Seasonal changes offer a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The median household income in Gopher is $62,400, with a modest poverty rate of 8.7% and an unemployment rate of just 3.1%. Most residents have completed high school, and one in four hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times are short, averaging 18.4 minutes, reflecting the town’s convenient and accessible layout.
Median Income:
$38,900
Household Income:
$62,400
Family Income:
$72,000
Per Capita Income:
$29,600
Income Male:
$40,200
Income Female:
$32,500
Poverty Rate:
8.7%
Non English Speakers:
4.1%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.6%
Bachelors or More:
24.8%
Education
How are the schools in Gopher, SD?
Gopher offers quality public education with small class sizes, as seen in its elementary and high schools, which feature student-teacher ratios near 13:1 and 12:1. Higher education opportunities are close by, with Dakota State University just 28 miles away. The supportive learning environment makes Gopher a strong choice for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Gopher Elementary School
Street:
201 School St
Phone:
(605) 555-2345
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Gopher High School
Street:
401 School St
Phone:
(605) 555-3456
Students:
190
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2
Colleges
Name:
Dakota State University
City:
Madison
State:
SD
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Gopher residents benefit from local access to Gopher Community Hospital, which provides general and emergency care. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% of people having health insurance coverage, healthcare is accessible for most. The town’s healthcare index of 79.5 indicates reliable and reasonably high-quality services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Gopher Community Hospital
Address:
100 Main St, Gopher, SD 57001
Phone:
(605) 555-1234
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.3%
Health Care Index:
79.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gopher, SD?
The housing market in Gopher is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $157,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $700. Owner-occupancy is high at 77%, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.3%. Home values have appreciated by 4.1% over the past year, offering steady investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$157,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Gopher can handle driver licensing and vehicle registration through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, conveniently located in Pierre. Information, forms, and contact details are available on the state’s DMV website. The process is streamlined for both new arrivals and long-time residents.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety – Driver Licensing
Address:
118 West Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone:
(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.