Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rapid City, SD
Thinking of moving to Rapid City, SD? With a population of 77,503, Rapid City offers affordable living—median home prices are $312,000 and average rents $1,050. Enjoy short commutes (about 16 minutes), plenty of sunny days (62% annually), and ready access to local hospitals and colleges. While property crime rates are higher than average, the overall cost of living is low and the area boasts beautiful Black Hills scenery, making it a unique place to call home.
Demographics - Rapid City, SD
Demographics - Rapid City, SD
Rapid City is home to about 77,500 residents with a median age of 38.5, offering a balanced mix of families and working professionals. The city is predominantly White (80.9%) but features a notable Native American community and a modest percentage of non-English speakers. With a population density of 1,470 per square mile, Rapid City provides a vibrant yet manageable urban environment.
Population:
77,503
Density:
1,470 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
80.9%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
6.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rapid City, SD?
Living in Rapid City is relatively affordable, with a cost of living index below the national average at 93.1 and median home values around $312,000. Residents benefit from low state income taxes and reasonable monthly expenses, making it a practical choice for both renters and homeowners. Essential costs like groceries, utilities, and healthcare also remain accessible compared to larger cities.
Median House Value:
$312,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,500
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$500
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.1
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
88.2
Utilities:
96.4
Transportation:
95.1
Health Care:
99.5
Miscellaneous:
97.8
Crime
Is Rapid City, SD a safe place to live?
Rapid City experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 3,402 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime remains less frequent but notable. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 212, so residents are advised to stay aware in certain neighborhoods. Local law enforcement is active, helping to maintain a sense of community safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
472
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,402
Crime Index:
3,874
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 212
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Rapid City, SD year-round?
Residents in Rapid City enjoy a diverse climate, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to around 14°F. The city receives about 18.7 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny weather 62% of the year, making outdoor activities popular throughout the seasons. This varied climate is well-suited for those who appreciate four distinct seasons.
Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Rapid City's neighborhoods offer a median household income of $65,000 and a low unemployment rate of 3.1%. Most residents enjoy short commutes of just over 16 minutes, and a strong sense of community is supported by a high rate of high school graduates. The area maintains a moderate poverty rate at 12.1%, while public transportation usage is minimal.
Median Income:
$41,000
Household Income:
$65,000
Family Income:
$81,000
Per Capita Income:
$32,800
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$34,000
Poverty Rate:
12.1%
Non English Speakers:
5.7%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
16.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
28.7%
Education
How are the schools in Rapid City, SD?
Rapid City offers a range of educational opportunities, with strong public schools like Stevens High School and access to higher education through South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. The area supports both public and private schooling options, accommodating about 2,500 college students locally. These quality institutions make the city appealing for families and learners of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Stevens High School
Street:
1200 N. 44th St
Phone:
605-394-4010
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.1
Name:
South Middle School
Street:
2 Indiana St
Phone:
605-394-4026
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Private Schools
Name:
Rapid City Christian School
Street:
23757 Arena Dr
Phone:
605-341-3377
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
City:
Rapid City
State:
SD
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,500
Name:
Western Dakota Technical College
City:
Rapid City
State:
SD
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Rapid City is comprehensive, anchored by major hospitals like Monument Health Rapid City Hospital and a physician availability of 2.6 per 1,000 residents. Over 90% of the population has health insurance, ensuring broad access to medical services. The local healthcare index of 77.3 reflects quality services for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Monument Health Rapid City Hospital
Address:
353 Fairmont Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone:
(605) 755-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Black Hills Surgical Hospital
Address:
216 Anamaria Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone:
(605) 721-4700
Type:
Surgical & Specialty
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rapid City, SD?
The housing market in Rapid City is stable, with a median home price of $312,000 and a homeowner occupancy rate of 59.1%. Rental options are also available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,050 and a moderate vacancy rate. Home values have appreciated by nearly 5% over the past year, indicating steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$312,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Rapid City residents are served by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety's Driver Licensing office, conveniently located on E. Catron Blvd. Services include licensing, renewals, and vehicle registration, with additional information available on the state's official website. The DMV is easily accessible for both new arrivals and longtime locals.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
1301 E. Catron Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57701
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.