Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mellette, SD
Thinking of moving to Mellette, SD? This small town of around 200 residents offers a tight-knit, peaceful community with affordable living: median home prices are just $86,000 and average rents around $650. Crime rates are low, commutes are short (about 20 minutes), and residents enjoy four distinct seasons with plenty of sunshine. The local schools offer low student-teacher ratios, and healthcare is available in nearby Aberdeen, making Mellette a friendly choice for those seeking rural charm and value.
Demographics - Mellette, SD
Demographics - Mellette, SD
Mellette is a small, close-knit community with about 199 residents and a population density of 270 per square mile. The town's population is predominantly White, with a median age of 38.7, and a nearly even gender balance. Around 3.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a modest level of diversity.
Population:
199
Density:
270 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.7
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.5%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mellette, SD?
Living in Mellette is highly affordable, with a median home value of $86,000 and average rents of $650 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, and residents benefit from low utility costs and zero state income tax. Everyday expenses such as groceries and healthcare are also budget-friendly, making Mellette an economical choice.
Median House Value:
$86,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$890
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.2
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
88.3
Transportation:
98.5
Health Care:
95.2
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Mellette, SD a safe place to live?
Mellette offers a safe environment with very low crime rates, including only 95 violent crimes and 820 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is just 1 in 1,050, providing peace of mind for families and individuals. The town's overall crime index reflects its reputation as a secure rural community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
95
Property Crimes Per 100k:
820
Crime Index:
915
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,050
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 122
Weather
What is the weather like in Mellette, SD year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters (lows around 2°F) and warm summers (highs reaching 84°F). The area receives about 22 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny weather 59% of the time. Seasonal changes offer a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
2°F
Max:
26°F

Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Mellette's households have a median income of $61,000, and the local unemployment rate is a low 2.4%. Most residents commute about 20 minutes to work, and public transportation usage is virtually nonexistent. The community is well-educated, with over 91% having at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$52,000
Household Income:
$61,000
Family Income:
$69,000
Per Capita Income:
$30,500
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
8.9%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
2.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
19.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Mellette, SD?
Mellette offers quality education through its local public schools, featuring low student-teacher ratios for more personalized learning. Northwestern Elementary and High School serve the town, while higher education opportunities are available nearby at Northern State University in Aberdeen. The area is supportive of educational growth for all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Northwestern Elementary School
Street:
300 6th Ave, Mellette, SD 57461
Phone:
605-887-3467
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Northwestern High School
Street:
300 6th Ave, Mellette, SD 57461
Phone:
605-887-3467
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.9

Colleges
Name:
Northern State University
City:
Aberdeen
State:
SD
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with the nearest major facility being Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center just a short drive away. The area boasts 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 91% of residents have health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are accessible and generally affordable.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center
Address:
2905 3rd Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone:
(605) 626-4200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
79.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mellette, SD?
Mellette's housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $86,000 and about 76% of homes owner-occupied. Rental vacancies are moderate, and home values have seen a steady appreciation of 3.4% over the past year. The area experiences minimal new construction and a very low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$86,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle registration services for Mellette residents are provided by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety in nearby Aberdeen. The office offers comprehensive DMV services and is easily accessible for local drivers. Residents can find more information and make appointments through the official website.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
420 S Roosevelt St, Aberdeen, SD 57401
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.