Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hammer, SD
Considering a move to Hammer, SD? This tiny rural town of just 45 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $98,000 and rents averaging $520. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates, short 19-minute commutes, and a relaxed pace of life. While amenities are basic and education options are more regional, Hammer features spacious surroundings, a high owner-occupancy rate, and a climate with four distinct seasons and plenty of sunshine. It's a friendly, budget-friendly spot for those seeking quiet, small-town living.
Demographics - Hammer, SD
Demographics - Hammer, SD
Hammer, SD is a tiny rural community with just 45 residents, a median age of 52, and a population density of 6 people per square mile. The town is predominantly White, with a small Native American presence, and the gender ratio slightly favors males. This close-knit setting offers a peaceful, slower-paced lifestyle.
Population:
45
Density:
6 per sq mi
Median Age:
52.0
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hammer, SD?
Hammer boasts a low cost of living, with median home values at $98,000 and average rents of $520, making it an affordable choice for budget-conscious movers. Utilities and groceries also remain below the national average, and there is no state income tax in South Dakota. These factors combine to make daily life in Hammer both easy on the wallet and stress-free.
Median House Value:
$98,000
Gross Rent:
$520
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$300
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.5
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
63.0
Utilities:
93.0
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Hammer, SD a safe place to live?
Crime is minimal in Hammer, with violent crime rates far below the national average and property crime remaining relatively low for a rural town. Residents have a 1 in 1,100 chance of encountering violent crime, fostering a sense of safety and community. The overall crime index reflects the town's quiet, secure atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
90
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,200
Crime Index:
1,290
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,100
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Hammer, SD year-round?
Hammer experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F and cold winters dipping to lows of 3°F. The area receives about 22.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 61% of the year. Residents can expect a classic Midwestern climate with ample sunny days and varied temperatures.

Winter
Min:
3°F
Max:
24°F

Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Local households in Hammer typically earn around $49,300, with a median income of $32,000 and a poverty rate just above 11%. The unemployment rate is low at 3.2%, and most adults have at least a high school diploma. With quick, 19-minute commutes and a strong sense of community, neighbors enjoy a relaxed rural lifestyle.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$49,300
Family Income:
$64,000
Per Capita Income:
$25,900
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$520
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
19.0 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.0%
Bachelors or More:
16.3%
Education
How are the schools in Hammer, SD?
Hammer is served by public schools in nearby Waubay, with small class sizes and a favorable student-to-teacher ratio. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible at Northern State University, located about 67 miles away in Aberdeen. The area’s educational resources are modest but provide key options for families and students.

Public Schools
Name:
Waubay Public School
Street:
202 W School Rd, Waubay, SD 57273
Phone:
605-947-4529
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.5

Colleges
Name:
Northern State University
City:
Aberdeen
State:
SD
Distance:
67 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Residents have access to Sanford Webster Medical Center nearby, offering general and emergency care. With 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people and over 92% health insurance coverage, basic healthcare needs are well-supported for such a small community. The area maintains a solid healthcare index, ensuring peace of mind for families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sanford Webster Medical Center
Address:
1401 W 7th St, Webster, SD 57274
Phone:
(605) 345-3336
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.3%
Health Care Index:
79.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hammer, SD?
Hammer's housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $98,000 and 84.5% of residents owning their homes. Rental options are limited but reasonably priced, and the area sees minimal new construction and foreclosure activity. Modest home appreciation suggests a stable, low-risk market for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$98,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$520
Owner Occupied Rate:
84.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Driver licensing services for Hammer residents are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety in Pierre, which also handles vehicle registration and renewals. Residents can access resources online or by phone for convenience. The nearest DMV office provides essential licensing support for local drivers.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
118 W 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.