Everything You Should Know Before Moving to New Effington, SD
Considering a move to New Effington, SD? This friendly rural town of 236 people features a very affordable cost of living, with median home prices around $60,000 and average rents at $650. Residents enjoy a peaceful lifestyle with low crime rates (violent crime at just 120 per 100K) and short commutes averaging 18 minutes. New Effington offers a quiet community, access to nearby healthcare, and a classic Midwestern climate with warm summers and snowy winters—perfect for those seeking small-town charm at a budget-friendly price.
Demographics - New Effington, SD
Demographics - New Effington, SD
New Effington is a close-knit rural community with a population of just 236 residents, reflecting a median age of 41 and a slightly higher male-to-female ratio. The town is predominantly White with small Native American and Hispanic populations, and about 5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its modest density and age profile offer a peaceful environment ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Population:
236
Density:
430 per sq mi
Median Age:
41
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.5%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in New Effington, SD?
New Effington boasts a very affordable cost of living, with median home values at $60,000 and average rents around $650 per month. Essential expenses like utilities and groceries are lower than national averages, and South Dakota’s absence of state income tax makes it even more budget-friendly. This low cost of living index appeals to anyone looking for wallet-friendly small-town living.
Median House Value:
$60,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$810
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
80.1
Grocery:
96.5
Housing:
60.2
Utilities:
93.2
Transportation:
89.8
Health Care:
100.7
Miscellaneous:
94.3
Crime
Is New Effington, SD a safe place to live?
The town maintains a low crime rate, with just 120 violent crimes and 920 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it a safe place to live. Residents have a low chance of encountering crime, with odds of 1 in 830 for violent incidents and 1 in 108 for property crime. This reassuring safety profile enhances the appeal of the community for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
920
Crime Index:
1,040
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 830
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 108
Weather
What is the weather like in New Effington, SD year-round?
New Effington experiences distinct Midwest seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 83°F and cold winters dipping to 2°F. The area enjoys about 58% sunny days annually and receives around 22 inches of rainfall, offering a true four-season climate. Residents can expect snowy winters and pleasantly mild summers.

Winter
Min:
2°F
Max:
23°F

Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
57°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Most households in New Effington have modest incomes, with a median household income of $50,300 and a poverty rate of 11.2%. The area enjoys a high rate of high school graduates and short average commutes of just over 18 minutes, contributing to a relaxed pace of life. With a low unemployment rate of 3.1% and affordable rent, the community is welcoming and stable.
Median Income:
$35,000
Household Income:
$50,300
Family Income:
$58,000
Per Capita Income:
$21,800
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.2%
Bachelors or More:
15.7%
Education
How are the schools in New Effington, SD?
Public education is served by schools like Wilmot High School, which offers small class sizes and personalized attention with a 10.5 student-teacher ratio. While there are no private schools, nearby Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, just over an hour away, provides post-secondary opportunities. The community’s educational resources are well-suited for families seeking a supportive learning environment.

Public Schools
Name:
Wilmot High School
Street:
800 Ordway St, Wilmot, SD 57279
Phone:
605-938-4647
Students:
130
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5

Colleges
Name:
Lake Area Technical College
City:
Watertown
State:
SD
Distance:
61 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Residents have access to essential healthcare services, including the nearby Coteau des Prairies Health Care System in Sisseton. With 1.1 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, basic medical needs are well-supported. The healthcare index suggests reliable, though limited, local resources for small-town living.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Coteau des Prairies Health Care System
Address:
205 Orchard Dr, Sisseton, SD 57262
Phone:
(605) 698-7647
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in New Effington, SD?
New Effington’s housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $60,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 74%. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $650, and the town sees very low foreclosure and vacancy rates. Modest home appreciation and little new construction reflect a stable, slow-growing market ideal for long-term residents.
Median Home Price:
$60,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Driver services for New Effington are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, with the main licensing office located in Pierre. Residents can access DMV resources online or by phone, making it convenient to handle licensing and registration needs. The state’s efficient system ensures straightforward processing for drivers.
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.