Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Onaka, SD
Considering a move to Onaka, SD? This tiny rural town of just 13 residents offers peace, low housing costs (median home value $48,000, average rent $550), and a relaxed lifestyle. Crime rates are low, the cost of living is well below the national average, and most homes are owner-occupied. With average commutes under 20 minutes and wide open skies, Onaka is perfect for those seeking simplicity and affordable living. Area schools serve the wider region, and the climate brings cold winters, warm summers, and plenty of sunny days.
Demographics - Onaka, SD
Onaka is a tiny, close-knit rural town with just 13 residents, all identifying as White, and a notably high median age of 60.2. The area is peaceful, with a higher ratio of males to females and no non-English-speaking population, reflecting a homogeneous and aging community.
Population:
13
Density:
20 per sq mi
Median Age:
60.2
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
0.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
100.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
0.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Onaka, SD?
Living in Onaka is highly affordable, with a median home value of $48,000 and average rent around $550. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents seeking lower housing and utility expenses.
Median House Value:
$48,000
Gross Rent:
$550
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.2
Grocery:
92.5
Housing:
55.0
Utilities:
96.0
Transportation:
78.0
Health Care:
91.0
Miscellaneous:
84.0
Crime
Is Onaka, SD a safe place to live?
Onaka offers a safe environment, with violent crime rates at 140 per 100,000 and property crime at 930 per 100,000, resulting in a low overall chance of being affected by crime. Residents enjoy peace of mind in this small-town setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
140
Property Crimes Per 100k:
930
Crime Index:
1,070
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 714
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 108
Weather
What is the weather like in Onaka, SD year-round?
Residents experience distinct seasons, including cold winters with lows around 4°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The area sees about 20 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 58% of the year, ideal for those who appreciate varied weather.

Winter
Min:
4°F
Max:
25°F

Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Onaka's neighboring households typically earn a median income of $32,000, with a low unemployment rate of 3.2% and nearly all residents speaking English. The community values education, with over 90% holding at least a high school diploma, and enjoys short commutes of under 20 minutes.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$41,000
Family Income:
$52,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,000
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
0.0%
Rent:
$550
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
18.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.2%
Bachelors or More:
20.1%
Education
How are the schools in Onaka, SD?
Onaka students are served by regional schools such as Faulkton Elementary, offering small class sizes and personalized attention. For higher education, Northern State University in Aberdeen is about 50 miles away, providing a range of academic opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Faulkton Elementary School
Street:
1114 Court St, Faulkton, SD 57438
Phone:
605-598-6266
Students:
175
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5

Colleges
Name:
Northern State University
City:
Aberdeen
State:
SD
Distance:
50 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
While Onaka itself is small, residents have access to major healthcare providers like Avera St. Luke's Hospital in nearby Aberdeen. The majority of the population is insured, and there is a moderate availability of physicians at 1.1 per 1,000 residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Avera St. Luke's Hospital
Address:
305 S State St, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone:
(605) 622-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
67.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Onaka, SD?
The local housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $48,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 85%. Homes appreciate modestly, rental vacancies are low, and there is little new construction or foreclosure activity, providing stability for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$48,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$560
Owner Occupied Rate:
85.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle services for Onaka residents are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety in Pierre. The office is accessible both in person and online, offering convenient support for licensing and registration needs.
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.