Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Us West Communications, SD
Considering a move to Us West Communications, SD? This quiet South Dakota community offers a small-town feel with an estimated population of 1,000 and affordable median home prices around $185,000. Enjoy a low cost of living, short average commutes (17.5 minutes), and good access to healthcare and schools. While crime rates are moderate for the region, the area features plenty of sunny days and friendly neighborhoods, making it a practical choice for families and anyone seeking a relaxed pace of life.
Demographics - Us West Communications, SD
Demographics - Us West Communications, SD
Us West Communications, SD is a small community of about 1,000 residents, with a median age of 41.5 and a slightly higher number of males than females. The population is predominantly White (nearly 90%), and about 5% speak a language other than English at home. This rural setting offers a close-knit feel with a low population density.
Population:
Estimated 1,000
Density:
30 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.5
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
8.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Us West Communications, SD?
The area boasts a low cost of living, with a median home value of $185,000 and average rent around $850 per month. Utilities and groceries remain affordable, and South Dakota’s lack of state income tax helps residents stretch their budgets further. Overall, the cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making it an economically attractive option.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
89.0
Grocery:
98.5
Housing:
70.0
Utilities:
93.2
Transportation:
95.7
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
92.3
Crime
Is Us West Communications, SD a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Us West Communications are moderate, with a 1 in 308 chance of experiencing violent crime and a property crime rate of 1 in 64. While these rates are not exceptionally low, they are typical for small towns in the region and provide a reasonable level of safety for residents. Most locals enjoy a relatively secure and peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
325
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,560
Crime Index:
1,885
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 308
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 64
Weather
What is the weather like in Us West Communications, SD year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to 7°F and warm summers reaching up to 86°F. The city enjoys about 62% sunny days each year and receives roughly 22 inches of annual rainfall. These weather patterns offer a classic Midwestern climate with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in the area typically earn a median income of $58,400, and most residents have high school diplomas, with about 26% holding at least a bachelor's degree. The community features low unemployment at 2.6% and a poverty rate just over 10%, reflecting economic stability. Short commutes and minimal reliance on public transit contribute to a relaxed lifestyle.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$58,400
Family Income:
$67,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$29,300
Poverty Rate:
10.7%
Non English Speakers:
5.1%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
2.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
17.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
25.8%
Education
How are the schools in Us West Communications, SD?
Families have access to well-rated public schools like Chamberlain Elementary and Chamberlain High School, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. A private K-12 option, St. Joseph's Indian School, is also available, and higher education opportunities are within reach at Dakota Wesleyan University, just 60 miles away. The community emphasizes quality education for all age groups.
Public Schools
Name:
Chamberlain Elementary School
Street:
101 N Main St
Phone:
605-234-4477
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Name:
Chamberlain High School
Street:
1000 Sorensen Dr
Phone:
605-234-4467
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph's Indian School
Street:
1301 N Main St
Phone:
605-234-3300
Students:
200
Colleges
Name:
Dakota Wesleyan University
City:
Mitchell
State:
SD
Distance:
60 miles
Students:
950
Healthcare
Us West Communications offers access to quality healthcare, including the Sanford Health Chamberlain Medical Center with emergency services. There are about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 91% of locals have health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are readily available for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Sanford Health Chamberlain Medical Center
Address:
300 S Byron Blvd, Chamberlain, SD 57325
Phone:
(605) 734-5545
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
72.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Us West Communications, SD?
The housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $185,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $850. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees a low foreclosure rate and steady home appreciation. This makes the city an appealing option for both homebuyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle services are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety in Pierre, easily accessible for residents. The DMV offers a user-friendly website and responsive phone support for licensing needs. Local drivers benefit from straightforward processes and state resources.
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.