Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Parkston, SD
Thinking of moving to Parkston, SD? With a friendly population of 1,465, Parkston offers affordable living—median home prices are around $165,000 and rents are just $750. The city is notably safe, with very low violent crime rates (65 per 100K), and commutes are a breeze at just over 13 minutes on average. Parkston also features strong community healthcare, small class sizes in local schools, and a climate with 61% sunny days per year, making it a great choice for those seeking small-town charm and quality of life.
Demographics - Parkston, SD
Demographics - Parkston, SD
Parkston is a close-knit community of 1,465 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 47.2, suggesting a mature and stable environment. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, fostering a friendly small-town atmosphere. Its population density is moderate, providing both community engagement and personal space.
Population:
1,465
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
97.2%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Parkston, SD?
Living in Parkston is highly affordable, with a median home value of $165,000 and average rent of $750, making it attractive for both homeowners and renters. The overall cost of living index is 86.5, significantly below the national average, and state taxes are 0%, helping residents stretch their budgets further. Utilities and grocery costs remain reasonable, supporting a comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.5
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
68.8
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
91.7
Health Care:
97.6
Miscellaneous:
92.1
Crime
Is Parkston, SD a safe place to live?
Parkston boasts a very low violent crime rate of 65 incidents per 100,000 residents, providing a safe environment for families and individuals. Property crime is also relatively low, with a chance of 1 in 189, contributing to the overall peace of mind for residents. The city’s strong sense of security is a key draw for those seeking a safe place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
65
Property Crimes Per 100k:
530
Crime Index:
595
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,538
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 189
Weather
What is the weather like in Parkston, SD year-round?
Residents of Parkston enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs around 88°F and cold winters dipping to 7°F. The area receives about 24.8 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine 61% of the year, making for a pleasant and varied climate. These weather patterns offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
30°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
24.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Parkston’s neighbors tend to have a median household income of $62,900, and the community enjoys a low unemployment rate of 3.0%. With a poverty rate of just 9.0% and most residents commuting only 13.2 minutes, the area offers both economic stability and a relaxed pace of life. High educational attainment and low reliance on public transportation also reflect the city’s self-sufficient lifestyle.
Median Income:
$38,400
Household Income:
$62,900
Family Income:
$75,100
Per Capita Income:
$32,700
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$32,700
Poverty Rate:
9.0%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
3.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
13.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.2%
Bachelors or More:
23.9%
Education
How are the schools in Parkston, SD?
Education in Parkston is centered around its small, community-focused public schools, with Parkston High and Elementary School offering low student-teacher ratios for personalized learning. The area is also served by Mitchell Technical College, located just 23 miles away for higher education opportunities. Families benefit from a supportive academic environment and close-knit school community.
Public Schools
Name:
Parkston High School
Street:
102 E Walnut St
Phone:
605-928-3368
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.4
Name:
Parkston Elementary School
Street:
102 E Walnut St
Phone:
605-928-3368
Students:
200
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Colleges
Name:
Mitchell Technical College
City:
Mitchell
State:
SD
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Healthcare in Parkston is anchored by Avera St. Benedict Hospital, which provides general and emergency services to the community. With approximately 2 physicians per 1,000 residents and 92.4% health insurance coverage, residents have reliable access to medical care. The local health care index of 78.1 underscores the area’s commitment to well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Avera St. Benedict Hospital
Address:
401 W Glynn Dr, Parkston, SD 57366
Phone:
(605) 928-3311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Parkston, SD?
Parkston’s housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $165,000 and owner occupancy at 76.8%. Average rent for a two-bedroom is $750, and the area experiences a healthy 4.3% home appreciation rate, making it attractive for both buyers and investors. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates further support a strong housing market.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Parkston residents can access driver licensing services through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, with the main office located in Pierre. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing and renewals, and more information is available on their official website. Support is readily available via phone for local residents.
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.