Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lower Brule, SD
Thinking of moving to Lower Brule, SD? With a small population of around 700, Lower Brule offers affordable living with median home prices near $60,000 and average rents at $600. Residents enjoy short commutes averaging just over 16 minutes and plenty of sunny days (62% per year). While crime rates are slightly above the national average and incomes are lower, you'll find a close-knit community, unique Native American heritage, and access to local schools and basic healthcare.
Demographics - Lower Brule, SD
Demographics - Lower Brule, SD
Lower Brule is home to about 700 residents, with a youthful median age of 26.4 and a strong Native American presence making up over 94% of the population. The community is relatively balanced in gender ratio and about 12% of residents speak a language other than English at home, creating a culturally rich environment.
Population:
703
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
26.4
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12%
Ethnic Composition
White:
3.5%
Black:
0.1%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lower Brule, SD?
Lower Brule offers a very affordable cost of living, with median home values at $60,000 and average rents around $600 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, and residents benefit from no state income tax, making it an attractive option for budget-minded movers.
Median House Value:
$60,000
Gross Rent:
$600
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$700
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$280
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.0
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
56.0
Utilities:
94.0
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Lower Brule, SD a safe place to live?
The crime rate in Lower Brule is somewhat higher than average, with a 1 in 313 chance of experiencing a violent crime and property crime occurring at a rate of 1 in 67. While these figures are above the national norm, they should be weighed alongside the community’s small population and local resources.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,500
Crime Index:
1,820
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 67
Weather
What is the weather like in Lower Brule, SD year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, from cold winters with lows around 8°F to warm summers reaching up to 88°F. The area sees moderate rainfall at 18.5 inches annually and enjoys sunshine 62% of the year, offering plenty of bright days for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
8°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Lower Brule have a median income of $36,500, though the poverty rate is relatively high at 43.2%. Most residents have a high school diploma, and the average commute is a short 16 minutes, with no reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$30,200
Household Income:
$36,500
Family Income:
$38,100
Per Capita Income:
$13,500
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
43.2%
Non English Speakers:
12%
Rent:
$600
Unemployment Rate:
9.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
16.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
74.6%
Bachelors or More:
7.3%
Education
How are the schools in Lower Brule, SD?
Lower Brule provides local elementary and high schools with favorable student-to-teacher ratios under 11:1, supporting small class sizes and community-focused learning. For higher education, Sinte Gleska University is located about 68 miles away, offering additional academic opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Lower Brule Elementary School
Street:
131 Central Ave
Phone:
605-473-5519
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Lower Brule High School
Street:
131 Central Ave
Phone:
605-473-5519
Students:
115
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.8
Colleges
Name:
Sinte Gleska University
City:
Mission
State:
SD
Distance:
68 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Healthcare services in Lower Brule include a local primary care clinic and access to a larger hospital in nearby Chamberlain. About 85% of residents have health insurance, and physician availability is lower than average, but basic healthcare needs are met within the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lower Brule Health Clinic
Address:
Lower Brule, SD 57548
Phone:
(605) 473-5522
Type:
Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Sanford Chamberlain Medical Center
Address:
300 S Byron Blvd, Chamberlain, SD 57325
Phone:
(605) 234-5588
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.2%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lower Brule, SD?
The housing market in Lower Brule is highly affordable, with a median home price of $60,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $600. Homeownership is common, and the area sees modest home appreciation and low rates of foreclosure.
Median Home Price:
$60,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$600
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services in Lower Brule are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, with the nearest licensing office located in Pierre. Residents can access most DMV services online or by visiting the state office.
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.