Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Porcupine, SD
Thinking of moving to Porcupine, SD? With a small, close-knit population of about 925, Porcupine offers affordable living, with median home prices around $59,000 and rents averaging $700. Commutes are short (19 minutes), and locals enjoy plenty of sunny days and wide-open spaces. While the cost of living is low, the area faces higher poverty and lower income levels, and education attainment is below national averages. Nevertheless, residents benefit from a strong sense of community and cultural heritage on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and local schools and health services are nearby.
Demographics - Porcupine, SD
Demographics - Porcupine, SD
Porcupine, SD is home to about 925 residents, with a notably young median age of 23.1 years and a population that is predominantly Native American. The community is close-knit and culturally rich, with 15% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
925
Density:
55 per sq mi
Median Age:
23.1
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15%
Ethnic Composition
White:
3%
Black:
0%
Others:
2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Porcupine, SD?
The cost of living in Porcupine is well below the national average, with a median home value of just $59,000 and average rents around $700 per month. Basic utilities and expenses are affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals or families.
Median House Value:
$59,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$580
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$250
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
39.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
81.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Porcupine, SD a safe place to live?
Porcupine experiences moderate crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 380 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,800 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 263 chance of being affected by violent crime, underscoring the importance of community awareness.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
380
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,800
Crime Index:
2,180
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 263
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 55
Weather
What is the weather like in Porcupine, SD year-round?
The area enjoys a continental climate, featuring cold winters with lows around 11°F and warm summers reaching up to 88°F. Residents experience about 61% sunny days annually and moderate rainfall, making for a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
11°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
59°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Porcupine residents have a median household income of $23,400, with over half living below the poverty line. Educational attainment is modest, with nearly three-quarters having completed high school, and unemployment stands at 14.5%.
Median Income:
$19,200
Household Income:
$23,400
Family Income:
$25,700
Per Capita Income:
$8,700
Income Male:
$21,000
Income Female:
$18,000
Poverty Rate:
55.1%
Non English Speakers:
15%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
14.5%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
19 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
73.8%
Bachelors or More:
7.5%
Education
How are the schools in Porcupine, SD?
Porcupine offers educational opportunities through Porcupine Day School, serving approximately 320 students with a 14:1 student-teacher ratio. Higher education is accessible at Oglala Lakota College, located just 17 miles away in Kyle.
Public Schools
Name:
Porcupine Day School
Street:
101 Porcupine School Dr
Phone:
605-867-5873
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Colleges
Name:
Oglala Lakota College
City:
Kyle
State:
SD
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Porcupine is anchored by the nearby Pine Ridge IHS Hospital, offering general and emergency services, while the area has 0.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate of 77.2%. Access to care is available, though resources are more limited than in larger cities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Oglala Sioux Lakota Nursing Home
Address:
7835 Elders Drive, Rushville, NE 69360
Phone:
(308) 862-4020
Type:
Nursing & Rehabilitation
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Pine Ridge IHS Hospital
Address:
Pine Ridge, SD 57770
Phone:
(605) 867-5131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
77.2%
Health Care Index:
65.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Porcupine, SD?
The housing market in Porcupine is highly affordable, with a median home price of $59,000 and a rental vacancy rate of 9.7%. Only about 38% of homes are owner-occupied, and home values have seen modest appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$59,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
37.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle services for Porcupine residents are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, located in Pierre, with online resources and support available for all licensing needs.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety – Driver Licensing
Address:
118 West Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone:
(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.