Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Whitehorse, SD
Considering a move to Whitehorse, SD? This small rural town of about 350 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at just $62,000 and average rents around $630. Commutes are short (17 minutes), and the cost of living is well below the national average. While crime rates are moderate and local incomes are lower, Whitehorse stands out for its close-knit community, Native American cultural heritage, and open prairie climate with 61% sunny days each year.
Demographics - Whitehorse, SD
Demographics - Whitehorse, SD
Whitehorse is a small, close-knit community of about 350 residents, with a youthful median age of 29.6 years. The town is predominantly Native American, making up 87% of the population, and features a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers. Its low population density highlights the rural, spacious feel of the area.
Population:
350
Density:
12 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.6
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12%
Ethnic Composition
White:
10%
Others:
3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Whitehorse, SD?
Whitehorse offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $62,000 and average rents around $630. Overall living expenses are well below the national average, making it attractive for those seeking budget-friendly housing and daily costs. The town benefits from low state taxes and reasonable utility rates.
Median House Value:
$62,000
Gross Rent:
$630
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$112
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$830
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.0
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
65.4
Utilities:
94.7
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
93.1
Miscellaneous:
79.0
Crime
Is Whitehorse, SD a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Whitehorse are moderate, with a violent crime rate of 350 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,900 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 290 chance of experiencing violent crime, which is typical for rural communities. While property crime is somewhat higher, the town maintains a generally safe atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,900
Crime Index:
2,250
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 290
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 53
Weather
What is the weather like in Whitehorse, SD year-round?
Whitehorse experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters (lows near 7°F) and warm summers reaching up to 88°F. The area gets about 17.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather 61% of the year, ideal for those who appreciate an open prairie climate. Seasonal changes bring variety to daily life and outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The community features modest household incomes, with a median of $18,900 per capita and a poverty rate of 39.2%. Most residents commute about 17 minutes to work, and nearly 89% have a high school diploma or higher. The area is characterized by a strong sense of local culture and low public transport usage.
Median Income:
$18,900
Household Income:
$31,400
Family Income:
$32,200
Per Capita Income:
$11,600
Income Male:
$20,400
Income Female:
$19,000
Poverty Rate:
39.2%
Non English Speakers:
12%
Rent:
$630
Unemployment Rate:
8.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
17.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.5%
Bachelors or More:
9.6%
Education
How are the schools in Whitehorse, SD?
Whitehorse is served by a local public school with small class sizes, fostering personalized attention for its 180 students. While there are no private schools in town, higher education opportunities are available at nearby Sinte Gleska University, located about 80 miles away. The community values education, with a strong high school graduation rate.
Public Schools
Name:
Whitehorse School
Street:
100 Warrior Circle
Phone:
605-733-2331
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.5
Colleges
Name:
Sinte Gleska University
City:
Mission
State:
SD
Distance:
80 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Whitehorse is served by local and regional healthcare facilities, including the Cheyenne River Health Center and Avera St. Mary's Hospital, both offering emergency services. With 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 81% health insurance coverage, basic healthcare needs are accessible in the area. The healthcare index reflects steady access to essential services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cheyenne River Health Center
Address:
24276 166th St, Eagle Butte, SD 57625
Phone:
(605) 964-6000
Type:
General & Tribal Health
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Avera St. Mary's Hospital
Address:
801 E Sioux Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone:
(605) 224-3101
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
81.4%
Health Care Index:
69.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Whitehorse, SD?
The housing market in Whitehorse is highly affordable, with median home prices at $62,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $630. Homeownership is common, with over 57% owner-occupied residences and low foreclosure rates. Modest home appreciation and vacancy rates indicate a stable, accessible property market for new residents.
Median Home Price:
$62,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$630
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle services for Whitehorse residents are provided by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, located in Pierre. The department offers a full range of services both in-person and online, making it convenient for residents to manage their licensing and registration needs. Assistance is easily accessible via phone or their official website.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
118 W Capitol Avenue, 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.