Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kenel, SD
Considering a move to Kenel, SD? This quiet rural community of about 200 people offers affordable living, with median home prices around $89,000 and average rents near $650. Crime rates are moderate, and commute times are short, averaging just 18 minutes. While education and incomes are below national averages, Kenel features a strong Native American cultural presence and access to nearby healthcare and schools. Enjoy a sunny Great Plains climate and the peaceful pace of small-town life.
Demographics - Kenel, SD
Kenel is a small, close-knit community of around 200 residents, with a young median age of 33.5 years. The population is predominantly Native American, making up 80% of the community, and about 12% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
200 (approx.)
Density:
20 per sq mi (estimate)
Median Age:
33.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12%

Ethnic Composition
White:
18%
Others:
2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kenel, SD?
Kenel offers a very affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $89,000 and average monthly rent at $650. Utility and grocery costs are lower than the national average, and South Dakota’s lack of state income tax adds to the area’s financial appeal.
Median House Value:
$89,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
52.3
Utilities:
96.4
Transportation:
87.1
Health Care:
102.5
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Kenel, SD a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Kenel are moderate, with a violent crime rate of 320 per 100,000 and property crime at 1,450 per 100,000 residents. This means there is about a 1 in 313 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it important for newcomers to stay aware while enjoying the community's quiet rural setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,450
Crime Index:
1,770
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Kenel, SD year-round?
Residents of Kenel experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 6°F and warm summers reaching highs near 89°F. The area enjoys around 61% sunny days each year and receives about 18 inches of rainfall annually, offering a classic Great Plains climate.

Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
27°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Local households in Kenel have a median income of $38,000, with a poverty rate of 28.5% and a relatively high unemployment rate of 7.5%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and commute times are short, averaging just over 18 minutes.
Median Income:
$21,500
Household Income:
$38,000
Family Income:
$44,500
Per Capita Income:
$15,800
Income Male:
$23,500
Income Female:
$19,200
Poverty Rate:
28.5%
Non English Speakers:
12%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
7.5%
Public Transport Usage:
N/A
Commute Time:
18.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
78.4%
Bachelors or More:
11.5%
Education
How are the schools in Kenel, SD?
Kenel is served by McLaughlin Elementary School, featuring a low student-to-teacher ratio for personalized learning. Higher education opportunities, such as Sitting Bull College in nearby Fort Yates, provide local options for continued studies.

Public Schools
Name:
McLaughlin Elementary School
Street:
PO Box 880, McLaughlin, SD 57642
Phone:
605-823-4484
Students:
250
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7

Colleges
Name:
Sitting Bull College
City:
Fort Yates
State:
ND
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
300
Healthcare
Kenel residents have access to the Indian Health Service - Standing Rock Service Unit, which provides general and emergency care nearby. Health insurance coverage is at 82.3%, and though physician availability is limited, essential medical services are within reach.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Indian Health Service - Standing Rock Service Unit
Address:
10 North River Road, Fort Yates, ND 58538
Phone:
(701) 854-3831
Type:
General & Primary Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
82.3%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kenel, SD?
The housing market in Kenel is very affordable, with a median home price of $89,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $650. Homeownership rates are just over 50%, and the area sees low foreclosure and new construction rates, reflecting a stable but quiet market.
Median Home Price:
$89,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle services for Kenel are handled by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety in Pierre, with resources available online and by phone for convenience.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing Program
Address:
118 West 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.