Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Preston, SD
Considering a move to Lake Preston, SD? This small community of 555 offers an affordable cost of living, with median home prices around $92,000 and average rents near $650. Residents enjoy low crime rates, quick commutes averaging just 16 minutes, and sunny weather 62% of the year. The town is family-friendly with small class sizes in local schools and access to nearby healthcare options, making it a welcoming spot for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
Demographics - Lake Preston, SD
Demographics - Lake Preston, SD
Lake Preston is a close-knit community of about 555 residents, with a median age of 44 years and a nearly equal gender balance. The town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting a stable and traditional population profile. Its moderate population density provides a peaceful, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
555
Density:
380 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.0
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lake Preston, SD?
Lake Preston offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home values around $92,000 and average rent at $650 per month. The cost of living index is notably lower than the national average, making this town an appealing choice for budget-conscious individuals or families. Monthly expenses like utilities and auto insurance are also modest, helping residents stretch their dollars further.
Median House Value:
$92,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$910
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$330
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.0
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
55.3
Utilities:
90.0
Transportation:
85.8
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Lake Preston, SD a safe place to live?
Lake Preston experiences a low violent crime rate of 95 incidents per 100,000 people, with property crime also remaining below national averages. Residents enjoy a relatively safe environment, with the chance of being a victim of violent crime at just 1 in 1,050. This makes the town a reassuring option for those prioritizing safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
95
Property Crimes Per 100k:
970
Crime Index:
1,065
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,050
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 103
Weather
What is the weather like in Lake Preston, SD year-round?
Residents of Lake Preston enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 84°F and cold winters dipping to 5°F. The area receives about 22.8 inches of rain annually and boasts sunny conditions 62% of the year. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate variety in seasonal weather.
Winter
Min:
5°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Lake Preston typically earn a median income of $54,800, with a low unemployment rate of 2.7% and a poverty rate just over 10%. Most residents enjoy short commute times averaging 16 minutes, and a strong majority have at least a high school diploma. The area has a friendly, tight-knit feel with a high owner-occupancy rate and limited public transit use.
Median Income:
$40,500
Household Income:
$54,800
Family Income:
$65,100
Per Capita Income:
$28,700
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$29,500
Poverty Rate:
10.3%
Non English Speakers:
2.3%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
15.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.0%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Lake Preston, SD?
Lake Preston offers quality education through its local elementary and high schools, both featuring small class sizes and personalized attention. Higher education opportunities are available nearby at South Dakota State University in Brookings, just 38 miles away. The community prioritizes education, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Lake Preston Elementary School
Street:
300 1st St NE
Phone:
605-847-4455
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.2
Name:
Lake Preston High School
Street:
300 1st St NE
Phone:
605-847-4455
Students:
92
Student Teacher Ratio:
8.9
Colleges
Name:
South Dakota State University
City:
Brookings
State:
SD
Distance:
38 miles
Students:
11,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Lake Preston is accessible, with a local clinic and a critical access hospital nearby in De Smet. About 91% of residents have health insurance, and the area maintains a healthcare index of 77.5, ensuring most medical needs are met locally. The town benefits from a favorable physician-to-population ratio for a rural setting.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Avera De Smet Memorial Hospital
Address:
306 Prairie Ave SW, De Smet, SD 57231
Phone:
(605) 854-3329
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sanford Clinic Lake Preston
Address:
709 4th St NE, Lake Preston, SD 57249
Phone:
(605) 847-4451
Type:
Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lake Preston, SD?
Lake Preston's housing market is affordable, with median home prices at $92,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 74%. Rent for a two-bedroom averages $650, and the area sees steady home appreciation of 3.4% per year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates indicate a stable and inviting housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$92,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle registration through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, conveniently accessible both online and at the state office in Pierre. The DMV provides comprehensive services for drivers and vehicle owners, with resources available on the state's official website. Assistance is also offered by phone for added convenience.
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.