Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wakpala, SD
Considering a move to Wakpala, SD? This small, close-knit community of about 230 residents offers affordable living with a median home price of $56,000 and average rents around $610. The town features a predominantly Native American heritage, a local K-12 school, and wide-open prairie landscapes with over 60% sunny days each year. While cost of living is low, job opportunities are limited, and the poverty rate is high, but commute times are short and housing options are budget-friendly. Discover more below about education, safety, and local amenities to see if Wakpala is your next home.
Demographics - Wakpala, SD
Demographics - Wakpala, SD
Wakpala is a small community of 230 residents with a youthful median age of 28.5 years and a strong Native American presence, making up nearly 90% of the population. The area is moderately dense for a rural town and has a balanced gender ratio, contributing to its close-knit feel.
Population:
230
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
28.5
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
9.0%
Black:
0.0%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wakpala, SD?
Living in Wakpala is very affordable, with a median home value of just $56,000 and average rent around $610 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$56,000
Gross Rent:
$610
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$265
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.0
Grocery:
95.0
Housing:
35.0
Utilities:
92.0
Transportation:
88.0
Health Care:
92.5
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Wakpala, SD a safe place to live?
Wakpala experiences a relatively low rate of violent crime, with a 1 in 385 chance of being affected, though property crime is more common. The overall crime index suggests residents should remain aware, but serious offenses are not prevalent.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
260
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,610
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 385
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Wakpala, SD year-round?
Wakpala features four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows near 6°F and warm summers reaching highs of 87°F. Residents enjoy about 63% sunny days each year and moderate annual rainfall, making for a classic northern plains climate.
Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Wakpala is modest, with a median of $28,000 and a poverty rate of 35%. Most residents commute about 20 minutes to work, and over 70% have at least a high school education, reflecting the area's rural and community-focused lifestyle.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$35,200
Family Income:
$37,800
Per Capita Income:
$14,500
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
35.0%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$610
Unemployment Rate:
7.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
19.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
73.0%
Bachelors or More:
8.5%
Education
How are the schools in Wakpala, SD?
Wakpala offers local K-12 education at Wakpala School, known for its small class sizes and personalized attention, with a student-teacher ratio of 11.5. For higher education, Sitting Bull College is located just 25 miles away, expanding local educational opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Wakpala School
Street:
12250 SD Hwy 1806
Phone:
605-845-3672
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Colleges
Name:
Sitting Bull College
City:
Fort Yates
State:
ND
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
320
Healthcare
Wakpala residents have access to Mobridge Regional Hospital for general and emergency care, and about 79% have health insurance coverage. The area has a lower physician-to-population ratio, so specialized care may require travel to larger towns.
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:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
79.4%
Health Care Index:
63.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wakpala, SD?
The housing market in Wakpala is highly affordable, with a median home price of $56,000 and a homeowner occupancy rate of 56%. Rental options are available with a relatively low vacancy rate, and home values are showing gradual appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$56,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$610
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle services for Wakpala residents are provided by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety in Pierre, which offers comprehensive information and support both in-person and online.
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.