Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Spearfish, SD
Thinking about moving to Spearfish, SD? With a friendly population of about 12,800, this Black Hills city offers affordable living—median home prices are around $340,000 and average rents near $980. Residents enjoy a short commute (just 13 minutes on average), low violent crime rates, and over 65% sunny days each year. With solid public schools, a major university, and great access to outdoor recreation, Spearfish is a welcoming community for families and students alike.
Demographics - Spearfish, SD
Demographics - Spearfish, SD
Spearfish is home to about 12,800 residents, with a median age of 33.9 and a population density of 1,300 per square mile. The city is predominantly White, and about 5.6% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its demographic profile reflects a youthful, family-friendly community with a balanced gender ratio.
Population:
12,800
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.9
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
6.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Spearfish, SD?
Spearfish offers a cost of living slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $340,000 and average rent around $980. Utilities and everyday expenses remain affordable, and the city benefits from zero state income tax. This makes it an attractive option for both homeowners and renters seeking value.
Median House Value:
$340,000
Gross Rent:
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$123
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,410
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
96.2
Grocery:
97.5
Housing:
87.2
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
92.5
Health Care:
99.3
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Spearfish, SD a safe place to live?
Spearfish maintains a relatively low crime rate, with violent crime affecting roughly 1 in 555 residents and property crime at about 1 in 69. The city’s overall crime index is below national averages, contributing to its reputation as a safe and peaceful place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,450
Crime Index:
1,630
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Spearfish, SD year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers peaking at 84°F and cold winters dipping to 15°F. Spearfish receives about 22.6 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 65% sunny days each year, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Households in Spearfish typically earn around $56,700, and the area features a low unemployment rate of 2.7%. The community is well-educated, with over 95% holding a high school diploma and more than a third having a bachelor’s degree or higher. Short commutes and a welcoming atmosphere make it easy to connect with neighbors.
Median Income:
$34,200
Household Income:
$56,700
Family Income:
$69,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,800
Income Male:
$37,900
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
13.4%
Non English Speakers:
5.6%
Rent:
$980
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
13.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.2%
Bachelors or More:
34.1%
Education
How are the schools in Spearfish, SD?
Spearfish hosts quality public and private schools, including Spearfish High School and Black Hills Christian Academy, with student-teacher ratios around 15:1. The city is also home to Black Hills State University, serving approximately 3,400 students, making it a hub for higher education and lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Spearfish High School
Street:
1725 N Main St
Phone:
605-717-1211
Students:
580
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Name:
West Elementary School
Street:
920 King St
Phone:
605-717-1209
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Private Schools
Name:
Black Hills Christian Academy
Street:
630 S 32nd St
Phone:
605-722-1276
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Black Hills State University
City:
Spearfish
State:
SD
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Spearfish provides strong healthcare access, anchored by Monument Health Spearfish Hospital and a physician density of 2.4 per 1,000 residents. Nearly 90% of residents have health insurance, ensuring that most people have coverage and quality care close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Monument Health Spearfish Hospital
Address:
1440 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783
Phone:
(605) 644-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Spearfish, SD?
The housing market in Spearfish is stable, with a median home price of $340,000 and a 6.9% appreciation rate over the past year. Around 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and rental options remain accessible with a 6.1% vacancy rate. The area sees minimal foreclosures, reflecting overall market health.
Median Home Price:
$340,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$980
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.9%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle registration for Spearfish residents are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, with the nearest office located in Rapid City. The DMV offers convenient access to licensing services both in-person and online, streamlining the process for new arrivals.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety – Driver Licensing
Address:
130 Kansas City St, Suite 100, 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.