Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Trail City, SD
Thinking of moving to Trail City, SD? With a tiny population of around 90, Trail City offers rural tranquility, affordable homes averaging $110,000, and average rents near $700. Residents enjoy short 19-minute commutes, low utility costs, and abundant sunny days. While amenities like schools and healthcare are found in nearby towns, Trail City boasts a friendly, close-knit community and the wide-open spaces of central South Dakota. Explore the affordable cost of living, climate, and small-town charm below as you plan your move.
Demographics - Trail City, SD
Demographics - Trail City, SD
Trail City is a small rural community with about 90 residents, a median age of 44, and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White and Native American, reflecting the area's cultural diversity. Most residents speak English, creating a close-knit, welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
90
Density:
8 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.0
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
60.0%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Trail City, SD?
Trail City offers a very affordable cost of living, with median home values around $110,000 and average rents at $700. Essential expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation are generally below the national average. With no state income tax, residents benefit from lower overall costs.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,070
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.6
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
56.0
Utilities:
94.0
Transportation:
93.0
Health Care:
101.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Trail City, SD a safe place to live?
Trail City experiences relatively low crime rates, with violent crimes at 315 per 100,000 people and property crimes at 1,360 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 317, providing a sense of security for residents. The small population contributes to a peaceful, community-focused environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
315
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,360
Crime Index:
1,675
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 317
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Trail City, SD year-round?
The area experiences a continental climate, with cold winters averaging lows of 6°F and warm summers reaching up to 86°F. Trail City receives about 20.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather 62% of the year. Seasonal changes are distinct, offering a classic South Dakota weather experience.

Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
30°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents in Trail City have a median household income of $48,000, with a family income of $54,000 and a poverty rate of 18%. The community is highly educated, with over 86% holding at least a high school diploma. Commutes are short, averaging just 19 minutes, and public transport usage is minimal.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$48,000
Family Income:
$54,000
Per Capita Income:
$21,500
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
18.0%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
19.0 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.2%
Bachelors or More:
17.0%
Education
How are the schools in Trail City, SD?
Local students attend Timber Lake School District, located nearby, which offers small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 11.5. Higher education is available at Sitting Bull College, about 40 miles away in North Dakota. While there are no private schools in Trail City, public education options support community needs.

Public Schools
Name:
Timber Lake School District
Street:
500 Main St, Timber Lake, SD 57656
Phone:
605-865-3654
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5

Colleges
Name:
Sitting Bull College
City:
Fort Yates
State:
ND
Distance:
40 miles
Students:
300
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is available in nearby towns, with Mobridge Regional Hospital providing general and emergency services. Trail City residents benefit from a physician density of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 87% health insurance coverage. The area’s healthcare index reflects solid access for a rural setting.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mobridge Regional Hospital
Address:
1401 10th Ave W, Mobridge, SD 57601
Phone:
(605) 845-3692
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.0%
Health Care Index:
69.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Trail City, SD?
The housing market in Trail City is affordable, with a median home price of $110,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $700. Homeownership is high at 78%, and the local market shows steady appreciation of 4.3% annually. Rental and foreclosure rates remain low, offering stability for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety in Pierre, which handles driver licensing and vehicle registration. The department is easily reachable by phone or online, providing essential services for new and current residents. Procedures are straightforward, typical of a rural state.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
118 W. Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone:
1-800-952-3696
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.