South Dakota / County

Moving to Lake Preston, SD

Thinking of making a move to Lake Preston, SD? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Preston, SD

Considering a move to Lake Preston, SD? This welcoming community of 519 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $165,000 and average rents near $780. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (63% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Lake Preston's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Lake Preston, SD

Lake Preston has a population of 519 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 49 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 96% White, 0% Black, and 0% Asian residents, and over 2% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
519
Density
1,150 per sq mi
Median Age
48.7
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
2.1%

Ethnic Composition

White
95.8%
Black
0.3%
Asian
0.2%
Others
3.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Lake Preston, SD?

The cost of living in Lake Preston is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 83.7. Median home values are around $165,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $780. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$165,000
Gross Rent
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$420
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 10.9%
Cost Of Living Index
83.7
Grocery
94.0
Housing
72.5
Utilities
101.8
Transportation
96.2
Health Care
96.5
Miscellaneous
88.7

Crime

Is Lake Preston, SD a safe place to live?

Lake Preston is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 95 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 185. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in South Dakota.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
95
Property Crimes Per 100k
540
Crime Index
635
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,053
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 185

Weather

What is the weather like in Lake Preston, SD year-round?

Lake Preston experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 8°F. The area receives about 25 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 63% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
8°F
Max
28°F

Summer

Min
60°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
61°F

Fall

Min
42°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
24.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
63%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $53,500 and a low poverty rate of 11.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,000
Household Income
$53,500
Family Income
$69,000
Per Capita Income
$28,700
Income Male
$38,500
Income Female
$29,500
Poverty Rate
11.8%
Non English Speakers
4.6%
Rent
$780
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
Public Transport Usage
0.4%
Commute Time
18.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.4%
Bachelors or More
18.6%

Education

How are the schools in Lake Preston, SD?

Lake Preston offers quality education options, with public schools like De Smet High School and De Smet Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Lake Area Technical College and South Dakota State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
De Smet High School
Street
405 3rd St SW
Phone
605-854-3651
Students
145
Student Teacher Ratio
11.8
Name
De Smet Elementary School
Street
405 3rd St SW
Phone
605-854-3651
Students
210
Student Teacher Ratio
12.4

Private Schools

Name
Sioux Valley Lutheran School
Street
45249 SD Hwy 28
Phone
605-627-9267
Students
90

Colleges

Name
Lake Area Technical College
City
Watertown
State
SD
Distance
48 miles
Students
2,700
Name
South Dakota State University
City
Brookings
State
SD
Distance
27 miles
Students
11,500

Healthcare

Lake Preston residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Madison Regional Health System and Sanford Health Brookings Clinic nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.4 per 1,000 people and 91.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Madison Regional Health System
Address
323 SW 10th St, Madison, SD 57042
Phone
(605) 256-6551
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Sanford Health Brookings Clinic
Address
919 24th St S, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone
(605) 696-9000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage
91.8%
Health Care Index
66.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Lake Preston, SD?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $165,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 77%. The market has seen a 3.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Lake Preston offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$780
Owner Occupied Rate
77.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.2%
New Construction Rate
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Lake Preston handle vehicle services through the South Dakota Driver Licensing Program, conveniently located in Pierre. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
South Dakota
Department
South Dakota Driver Licensing Program
Address
445 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone
1-605-773-6883

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.

FAQs About Moving to Lake Preston, SD

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Lake Preston, review the core fields on this page: population 519, median home value $165,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $780, commute time 18.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 63%.

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