Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Oglala, SD
Considering a move to Oglala, SD? This close-knit, majority Native American community of 1,282 residents offers a very affordable cost of living, with median home prices around $45,000 and rents averaging $580. Expect a youthful median age of 24.7 and a relaxed pace, with average commutes just over 18 minutes. While the area faces higher crime and poverty rates, you'll find a strong cultural heritage, access to local healthcare, and beautiful, sunny Great Plains weather. Explore education options and local resources to see if Oglala is the right fit for your next chapter.
Demographics - Oglala, SD
Demographics - Oglala, SD
Oglala is a small, close-knit community with a population of 1,282, the vast majority of whom are Native American. The town is notably youthful, with a median age of 24.7, and maintains a balanced gender ratio. This diverse cultural environment is enriched by a significant proportion of non-English speakers, contributing to its unique local character.
Population:
1,282
Density:
78 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.7
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
4.2%
Black:
0.1%
Others:
4.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Oglala, SD?
Oglala offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of just $45,000 and average rent around $580. Utilities and housing costs are generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents. South Dakota's lack of state income tax further adds to the area's financial appeal.
Median House Value:
$45,000
Gross Rent:
$580
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$118
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$675
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$230
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.5
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
58.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Oglala, SD a safe place to live?
Oglala experiences higher crime rates compared to national averages, with a violent crime rate of 1,390 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,400 per 100,000 residents. Residents should be mindful of safety precautions and community initiatives aimed at improving local security. While crime is a concern, many find strength in the town’s tight-knit community atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,390
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,400
Crime Index:
3,790
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 72
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Oglala, SD year-round?
Residents enjoy a classic Great Plains climate, with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and cold winters dipping to 9°F. Oglala receives about 18.5 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunny weather 62% of the year, making for bright and varied seasons. This climate supports a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle for much of the year.

Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
31°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Oglala’s neighbors face economic challenges, with a median household income of $23,600 and a poverty rate exceeding 50%. The community is characterized by a spirit of resilience, with most residents enduring longer unemployment spells and commutes averaging 18 minutes. Despite economic hardships, the area maintains strong cultural ties and a sense of solidarity.
Median Income:
$19,500
Household Income:
$23,600
Family Income:
$25,700
Per Capita Income:
$8,400
Income Male:
$22,000
Income Female:
$17,200
Poverty Rate:
51.3%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$580
Unemployment Rate:
19.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
65.2%
Bachelors or More:
6.1%
Education
How are the schools in Oglala, SD?
Oglala offers public K-12 education through local schools such as Oglala Lakota County High and Elementary, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Oglala Lakota College is located just 23 miles away, serving around 1,300 students. These educational resources provide accessible learning opportunities for families and individuals in the area.

Public Schools
Name:
Oglala Lakota County High School
Street:
490 Piya Wiconi Rd
Phone:
605-867-1289
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Oglala Lakota County Elementary School
Street:
490 Piya Wiconi Rd
Phone:
605-867-1205
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Colleges
Name:
Oglala Lakota College
City:
Kyle
State:
SD
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Oglala is anchored by the Oglala Lakota Sioux Hospital, offering general and emergency services to the community. While there are fewer physicians per capita (0.7 per 1,000 residents) than national averages, nearly 80% of residents have health insurance coverage. Access to essential healthcare is locally available, though specialized care may require travel.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Oglala Lakota Sioux Hospital
Address:
PHS Indian Hospital, Oglala, SD 57764
Phone:
(605) 867-5131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
79.2%
Health Care Index:
63.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Oglala, SD?
The housing market in Oglala is highly affordable, with a median home price of $45,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $580. Homeownership is less common, with 39.5% owner-occupied housing, and vacancy rates remain moderate. With minimal new construction and slow appreciation, the market is stable and accessible for most residents.
Median Home Price:
$45,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$580
Owner Occupied Rate:
39.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
0.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Oglala residents are served by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety for driver licensing and vehicle services, with the main office located in Pierre. The department provides comprehensive resources both online and in-person to handle licensing, renewals, and vehicle registration. For assistance, residents can call or visit the official website for up-to-date information.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
1302 East Highway 14, Suite 6, 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.