Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Howes, SD
Considering a move to Howes, SD? This tiny rural community of just 35 residents features a low cost of living, with median home prices around $145,000 and average rents of $780. Crime is notably low, and most residents enjoy short commutes of 31 minutes, typically by car. While amenities are limited, education and healthcare needs are met in nearby towns, and you'll appreciate the wide-open spaces, sunny climate, and peaceful small-town lifestyle.
Demographics - Howes, SD
Howes, SD is a very small, close-knit community with just 35 residents and a low population density of 2 people per square mile. The population is predominantly White, with a median age of 44, and a slightly higher number of males than females. Most residents speak English at home, reflecting a traditional rural demographic profile.
Population:
35
Density:
2 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.0
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Howes, SD?
Living in Howes is affordable, with a median home value of $145,000 and average rents around $780. Utilities and everyday expenses are lower than the national average, and residents benefit from South Dakota's 0% state income tax. The overall cost of living index is 84.6, making it budget-friendly for families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$145,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.6
Grocery:
90.2
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
94.0
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Howes, SD a safe place to live?
Howes boasts very low crime rates, with only 85 violent crimes and 780 property crimes per 100,000 people, offering a safe environment for its residents. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is extremely low, at about 1 in 1,176. This makes the town an attractive option for those prioritizing safety and peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
780
Crime Index:
865
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,176
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 128
Weather
What is the weather like in Howes, SD year-round?
Howes experiences a classic Midwestern climate with cold winters, warm summers, and pleasant spring and fall seasons. Residents enjoy about 65% sunny days each year and an average annual rainfall of 20.7 inches, making outdoor activities enjoyable much of the year. Seasonal temperature swings are typical, supporting a true four-season lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
31°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Residents of Howes enjoy a modest median household income of $54,000, with a low unemployment rate of 3.1%. The community is well-educated, with nearly 89% holding a high school diploma or higher, and commutes average 31 minutes, usually by car. A poverty rate of 12.8% reflects a small but present need for local support.
Median Income:
$33,000
Household Income:
$54,000
Family Income:
$67,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,000
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
12.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
31.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.5%
Bachelors or More:
22.1%
Education
How are the schools in Howes, SD?
Public schooling for Howes students is provided nearby at Philip Elementary School, offering small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 11:1. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible, with South Dakota State University’s West River campus just 80 miles away in Rapid City. This ensures families have options for both primary and secondary education.
Public Schools
Name:
Philip Elementary School
Street:
330 Scottie Avenue
Phone:
605-859-2680
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.0
Colleges
Name:
South Dakota State University - West River
City:
Rapid City
State:
SD
Distance:
80 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Healthcare needs in Howes are served by facilities like Philip Health Services, a critical access hospital located nearby. With 1 physician per 1,000 residents and nearly 89% health insurance coverage, basic medical services are accessible. Emergency services are available in the region, ensuring prompt care when needed.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Philip Health Services
Address:
503 W Pine St, Philip, SD 57567
Phone:
(605) 859-2511
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.0%
Health Care Index:
73.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Howes, SD?
The housing market in Howes is stable and affordable, with median home prices at $145,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $780. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy and foreclosure rates are low, indicating a steady market. Home appreciation has seen modest gains, making it a safe investment for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle registration for Howes residents are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety in Pierre. The DMV offers a range of services both online and in-person, making it convenient for new and existing residents to handle licensing needs. Helpful support is available by phone and through their official website.
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.