Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Olson, SD
Considering a move to Olson, SD? This friendly rural town of around 950 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $142,000 and rents averaging $740. Residents enjoy short commute times of under 17 minutes, a low unemployment rate, and access to both local healthcare and schools. With moderate crime rates, a high school graduation rate of over 92%, and plenty of sunny days, Olson is a great place for those seeking small-town charm and a relaxed pace of life in South Dakota.
Demographics - Olson, SD
Olson, SD is a small, close-knit town with a population of about 950 people, a median age of 42.7, and a community that is predominantly White, with Native American and other groups making up a small portion of residents. The town has a balanced gender ratio and only a modest percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a welcoming and cohesive atmosphere.
Population:
950
Density:
100 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.7
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.1%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
4.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Olson, SD?
The cost of living in Olson is notably affordable, with a median home value of $142,000 and average rents around $740. Residents benefit from low state taxes and a cost of living index below the national average, making daily expenses like groceries and utilities manageable for most households.
Median House Value:
$142,000
Gross Rent:
$740
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,030
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$990
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.2
Grocery:
94.5
Housing:
70.2
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
88.5
Health Care:
93.1
Miscellaneous:
85.6
Crime
Is Olson, SD a safe place to live?
Olson experiences moderate crime rates for a town its size, with a chance of property crime at about 1 in 57 and violent crime at 1 in 455. While crime is present, it is generally lower than in larger urban areas, contributing to a feeling of safety for families and newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,750
Crime Index:
1,970
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 57
Weather
What is the weather like in Olson, SD year-round?
Residents in Olson enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 7°F. The area receives about 22.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, making it attractive for those who appreciate a variety of weather throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Olson is a hardworking community with a median household income of $60,200 and a low unemployment rate of 2.8%. Most residents commute under 17 minutes to work, and a high percentage have at least a high school education, reflecting the town's stable and neighborly environment.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$60,200
Family Income:
$71,500
Per Capita Income:
$28,700
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
10.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$740
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
16.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Olson, SD?
Olson provides quality education through its public elementary and high schools, both with low student-to-teacher ratios, as well as a private school option. For higher education, Lake Area Technical College is just 24 miles away, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development.

Public Schools
Name:
Olson Elementary School
Street:
220 School Rd
Phone:
605-555-2211
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Olson High School
Street:
225 School Rd
Phone:
605-555-2212
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1

Private Schools
Name:
Trinity Lutheran School
Street:
300 Church St
Phone:
605-555-3322
Students:
65

Colleges
Name:
Lake Area Technical College
City:
Watertown
State:
SD
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Healthcare in Olson is accessible, with a local community health center and regional hospital nearby, both offering emergency services. The town has 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% of people have health insurance, supporting the well-being of the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Olson Community Health Center
Address:
105 Main St, Olson, SD 57000
Phone:
(605) 555-1234
Type:
General & Family Medicine
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Prairie Plains Hospital (regional)
Address:
210 Prairie Ave, Watertown, SD 57201
Phone:
(605) 555-9876
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Olson, SD?
Olson's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $142,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of 74.2%. Home values have seen steady appreciation, making it appealing for both buyers and renters looking for stability and value.
Median Home Price:
$142,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$740
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents of Olson rely on the South Dakota Department of Public Safety for driver and vehicle services, located in Pierre. The DMV offers essential resources both in-person and online, making it convenient for locals to manage licensing and registration needs.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety
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.