Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Willow Lake, SD
Considering a move to Willow Lake, SD? This friendly small town of 255 residents offers a low cost of living, with median home prices around $76,500 and average rents at just $630. Enjoy a safe, close-knit community with low crime rates, short 18.5-minute commutes, and highly-rated local schools. With four-season weather, 60% sunny days, and easy access to regional healthcare, Willow Lake is ideal for those seeking affordable, small-town living in South Dakota.
Demographics - Willow Lake, SD
Demographics - Willow Lake, SD
Willow Lake is a close-knit community of 255 residents, featuring a predominantly White population and a median age of 44.2 years. The town maintains a balanced gender ratio and a high percentage of English speakers, reflecting its small-town Midwestern character.
Population:
255
Density:
600 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Willow Lake, SD?
The cost of living in Willow Lake is notably affordable, with a median home value of $76,500 and average rent at $630. Low state taxes and reasonable utility costs make it an attractive choice for those seeking budget-friendly living in South Dakota.
Median House Value:
$76,500
Gross Rent:
$630
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$740
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$280
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.7
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
55.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
81.2
Health Care:
105.4
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Willow Lake, SD a safe place to live?
Willow Lake experiences low crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 residents and property crime chances at 1 in 89. This contributes to a sense of safety and security, making it a peaceful place for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,330
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Willow Lake, SD year-round?
Residents enjoy distinct four-season weather, with cold winters, warm summers, and an average of 23 inches of rainfall annually. With 60% sunny days, the climate supports outdoor activities and a variety of seasonal experiences.
Winter
Min:
2°F
Max:
25°F
Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Willow Lake households typically earn around $51,000 annually, with a low unemployment rate of 3% and a poverty rate under 10%. Most residents commute less than 20 minutes to work, and over 91% have at least a high school diploma, reflecting a stable and well-educated community.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$51,000
Family Income:
$62,500
Per Capita Income:
$27,100
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
9.6%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$630
Unemployment Rate:
3.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
18.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.3%
Bachelors or More:
21.0%
Education
How are the schools in Willow Lake, SD?
Local students attend the Willow Lake School District, which benefits from small class sizes and attentive teachers. Higher education is accessible at Lake Area Technical College in nearby Watertown, providing further learning opportunities within 40 miles.
Public Schools
Name:
Willow Lake School District 12-3
Street:
400 Garfield Ave
Phone:
605-625-5945
Students:
140
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.7
Colleges
Name:
Lake Area Technical College
City:
Watertown
State:
SD
Distance:
39 miles
Students:
2,190
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is convenient, with nearby major clinics and over 90% of residents having health insurance coverage. The area offers a good number of physicians relative to its size, ensuring basic medical needs are met locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Sanford Clinic Webster
Address:
1401 W 1st St, Webster, SD 57274
Phone:
(605) 345-3322
Type:
General Clinic
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
Address:
401 9th Ave NW, Watertown, SD 57201
Phone:
(605) 882-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Willow Lake, SD?
The housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $76,500 and an owner-occupancy rate of 72.5%. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a steady demand, and modest appreciation reflects gradual growth.
Median Home Price:
$76,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$630
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Willow Lake residents are served by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety for all driver licensing needs, with services accessible in nearby Pierre and online. The DMV offers standard licensing, registration, and information for drivers in the region.
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.