Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Okaton, SD
Considering a move to Okaton, SD? With a tiny population of about 30, this rural community offers quiet, wide-open living at a very affordable cost—median home prices are just $75,000 and average rent is around $550. Crime rates are impressively low, and average commutes are just 22 minutes. While local amenities are limited, residents enjoy plenty of sunshine, open prairie landscapes, and access to nearby schools and essential healthcare in neighboring towns. If you're seeking peace, affordability, and a close-knit community, Okaton could be just right for you.
Demographics - Okaton, SD
Demographics - Okaton, SD
Okaton is a rural community with a very small population of about 30 residents, featuring a median age of 55 and a predominantly White demographic. The low population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to its quiet, close-knit atmosphere. Most residents are English speakers, making for a locally familiar environment.
Population:
30
Density:
2 per sq mi
Median Age:
55.0
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Okaton, SD?
Living in Okaton is highly affordable, with median home values at $75,000 and average rents around $550 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and retirees. Low property taxes and utility costs further enhance affordability.
Median House Value:
$75,000
Gross Rent:
$550
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.0
Grocery:
90.0
Housing:
68.0
Utilities:
92.0
Transportation:
88.0
Health Care:
85.0
Miscellaneous:
80.0
Crime
Is Okaton, SD a safe place to live?
Okaton boasts impressively low crime rates, with a violent crime rate of just 70 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 1,430 chance of being affected. Property crime is also rare, making this a safe choice for those seeking peace of mind in a small-town setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
70
Property Crimes Per 100k:
415
Crime Index:
485
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,430
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 241
Weather
What is the weather like in Okaton, SD year-round?
Okaton experiences all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to 6°F, warm summers reaching highs of 87°F, and about 64% of days being sunny. Annual rainfall is moderate at around 19.5 inches, supporting the area's open prairie landscapes. Residents enjoy plenty of sunshine and a true Midwestern climate.
Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
30°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
19.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Residents of Okaton enjoy a median household income of $47,500 and a low unemployment rate of 3.2%. The community has a high rate of high school completion, and most people commute about 22 minutes for work. The poverty rate is slightly above average, but the area's affordability helps balance living costs.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$47,500
Family Income:
$54,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,500
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
12.0%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$550
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
22.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.0%
Bachelors or More:
18.0%
Education
How are the schools in Okaton, SD?
Local students attend small public schools like Jones County High School, offering low student-teacher ratios and a close educational community. While there are no colleges in town, Mitchell Technical College is a nearby option about 95 miles away. The majority of adults have completed high school, and some have college degrees.
Public Schools
Name:
Jones County High School
Street:
404 Jackson Ave
Phone:
605-669-2258
Students:
75
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Jones County Elementary School
Street:
404 Jackson Ave
Phone:
605-669-2258
Students:
85
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2
Colleges
Name:
Mitchell Technical College
City:
Mitchell
State:
SD
Distance:
95 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Healthcare access includes coverage for 91% of residents and proximity to Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital for general and emergency services. With 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, basic medical needs are met locally or in nearby towns. The community's health care index reflects reliable, if limited, care options.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital
Address:
701 E 3rd St, Philip, SD 57567
Phone:
(605) 859-2511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
67.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Okaton, SD?
Okaton’s housing market is very accessible, with a median home price of $75,000 and most homes owner-occupied. Rental options are available, with modest vacancy rates and average rents of $550 for a two-bedroom. Home values have seen steady appreciation, indicating a stable market.
Median Home Price:
$75,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$550
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle registration for Okaton residents are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety in Pierre. State services are accessible online or by phone, making DMV tasks straightforward despite the rural location. The main office is about an hour's drive from Okaton.
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.