Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pukwana, SD
Considering a move to Pukwana, SD? This small, friendly town of 270 residents offers affordable living with a median home price of $98,000 and average rents around $720. With low crime, short 17.5-minute commutes, and a quiet rural atmosphere, Pukwana is perfect for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle. Enjoy four distinct seasons, easy access to local schools, and low state taxes—with no state income tax at all!
Demographics - Pukwana, SD
Demographics - Pukwana, SD
Pukwana has a close-knit population of 270 residents, with a median age of 41.2 and a slightly higher number of males than females. The community is predominantly White, with Native American and other groups contributing to local diversity, and most residents speak English at home.
Population:
270
Density:
230 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pukwana, SD?
Living in Pukwana is highly affordable, with a median home value of $98,000 and average rent at $720 per month. The city boasts a cost of living index significantly below the national average, and residents benefit from no state income tax.
Median House Value:
$98,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$910
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$330
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
82.0
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
60.0
Utilities:
99.0
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
80.0
Crime
Is Pukwana, SD a safe place to live?
Pukwana experiences low crime rates, with violent crime well below national averages and a 1 in 445 chance of being affected. Property crime is also moderate, contributing to the town's safe and peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
225
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,575
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 445
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Pukwana, SD year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 7°F and warm summers reaching up to 87°F. The area sees about 22 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny skies 61% of the year, making for a pleasant climate overall.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Pukwana's households typically earn around $54,500, and the community maintains a low unemployment rate of 2.7%. Most residents commute about 17.5 minutes to work, and the town has a strong high school graduation rate of 88.5%.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$54,500
Family Income:
$60,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,600
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
17.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.5%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in Pukwana, SD?
Local public schools, including Chamberlain Elementary and High School, offer low student-teacher ratios and serve nearby families. Higher education opportunities are available at Dakota Wesleyan University, located 58 miles away in Mitchell.

Public Schools
Name:
Chamberlain Elementary School
Street:
101 N Main St
Phone:
605-734-4470
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Chamberlain High School
Street:
1000 Sorensen Dr
Phone:
605-734-4530
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8

Colleges
Name:
Dakota Wesleyan University
City:
Mitchell
State:
SD
Distance:
58 miles
Students:
950
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is supported by nearby facilities like Chamberlain Sanford Hospital, and about 88% of residents have health insurance coverage. With 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare services are readily available for this rural community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Chamberlain Sanford Hospital
Address:
300 S Byron Blvd, Chamberlain, SD 57325
Phone:
(605) 734-5545
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.1%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pukwana, SD?
The housing market in Pukwana is very accessible, with a median home price of $98,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 77%. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% over the past year, and rental options remain affordable and available.
Median Home Price:
$98,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
DMV services for Pukwana residents are handled by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety in Pierre, offering licensing and registration information both in person and online. This ensures convenient access to essential driving and vehicle services.
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.