Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Andes, SD
Considering a move to Lake Andes, SD? This quiet community of about 710 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $66,000 and average rents at $650. Enjoy a short average commute of 14 minutes, a close-knit atmosphere, and sunny days during the summer. While the cost of living is well below the national average, amenities are basic and educational attainment is modest, but you'll find a friendly small-town vibe and access to nearby healthcare and outdoor recreation.
Demographics - Lake Andes, SD
Demographics - Lake Andes, SD
Lake Andes is a small city with a population of about 710, featuring a high population density for its size and a median age of 36.4 years. The community is predominantly Native American, making up nearly 68% of residents, which contributes to the area's unique cultural character. Most people speak English at home, and the gender balance is close to even.
Population:
710
Density:
1,180 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.4
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
28.5%
Black:
0.1%
Others:
3.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lake Andes, SD?
Lake Andes offers a notably low cost of living, with a cost of living index of 79.2 and median home values around $66,000. Housing and rent are very affordable compared to national averages, and residents benefit from no state income tax. Monthly utilities and essentials like groceries are generally budget-friendly, making the city an attractive option for those seeking affordability.
Median House Value:
$66,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$300
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.2
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
44.0
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
88.5
Health Care:
106.3
Miscellaneous:
87.5
Crime
Is Lake Andes, SD a safe place to live?
The city experiences low levels of violent crime, with a chance of 1 in 455, but property crime is more common, with a rate of 1 in 59. Overall, Lake Andes maintains a sense of safety typical of small towns, though residents should stay mindful of property protection. The crime index suggests that while serious offenses are rare, some petty theft does occur.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,700
Crime Index:
1,920
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Lake Andes, SD year-round?
Residents enjoy a four-season climate, with cold winters reaching lows around 6°F and warm summers peaking near 87°F. The city receives about 22.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 60% of the year, allowing for plenty of outdoor activities. Spring and fall provide comfortable transitions with mild temperatures.

Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Lake Andes is a close-knit community where the median household income is $38,500, and the average commute is a short 14 minutes. While the poverty rate is higher than average at 29.5%, most adults have at least a high school diploma, and unemployment remains relatively low at 4.4%. Residents primarily rely on personal vehicles, as public transportation is not in use.
Median Income:
$33,000
Household Income:
$38,500
Family Income:
$42,000
Per Capita Income:
$17,200
Income Male:
$29,000
Income Female:
$24,000
Poverty Rate:
29.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
4.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
14.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.1%
Bachelors or More:
11.2%
Education
How are the schools in Lake Andes, SD?
Lake Andes is served by the Andes Central School District, with small class sizes and a student-to-teacher ratio of about 10:1 across its elementary, middle, and high schools. There are no private schools locally, but higher education is accessible at Mount Marty University, located 50 miles away in Yankton. Educational attainment is modest, with most adults holding a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Andes Central Elementary School
Street:
708 E 5th Ave
Phone:
605-487-7697
Students:
155
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.1
Name:
Andes Central Middle School
Street:
708 E 5th Ave
Phone:
605-487-7671
Students:
80
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Andes Central High School
Street:
708 E 5th Ave
Phone:
605-487-7671
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.7

Colleges
Name:
Mount Marty University
City:
Yankton
State:
SD
Distance:
50 miles
Students:
1,180
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are met locally by the Lake Andes Health Center for primary care, while emergency services are available nearby at Wagner Community Memorial Hospital. The area offers about 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents, and most people have health insurance coverage. Overall, access to medical care is solid for a city of this size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Lake Andes Health Center
Address:
102 S Main St, Lake Andes, SD 57356
Phone:
(605) 487-7671
Type:
Primary & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Wagner Community Memorial Hospital
Address:
515 W Hwy 46, Wagner, SD 57380
Phone:
(605) 384-3773
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.7%
Health Care Index:
66.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lake Andes, SD?
The housing market in Lake Andes is highly affordable, with median home prices at just $66,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $650. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees modest home appreciation at 4.3% annually. Rental vacancy and foreclosure rates are low, providing stability for both renters and buyers.
Median Home Price:
$66,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle registration are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, with resources available online and at the central office in Pierre. Lake Andes residents can access helpful information, renewals, and application forms through the state DMV website. For assistance, the DMV provides a dedicated phone line and comprehensive online services.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
118 West Capitol Avenue, 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.