Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wounded Knee, SD
Considering a move to Wounded Knee, SD? With a small population of about 370, this historic community is known for its cultural heritage and quiet rural setting. Housing is very affordable, with median home prices around $40,000 and rents averaging $450. While cost of living is low, residents should be aware of higher poverty and crime rates, limited local amenities, and a commute time averaging 18 minutes. Education and healthcare options are available nearby, and the area enjoys sunny days and distinct seasonal weather. Explore more details below to see if Wounded Knee fits your lifestyle needs.
Demographics - Wounded Knee, SD
Demographics - Wounded Knee, SD
Wounded Knee is a small, predominantly Native American community with a population of around 370 and a youthful median age of 25. Most residents speak English, though about 22% are non-English speakers, reflecting the area's rich cultural heritage. The population density is low, offering a quiet rural environment.
Population:
370
Density:
110 per sq mi
Median Age:
25.4
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22%
Ethnic Composition
White:
4%
Black:
0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wounded Knee, SD?
Living in Wounded Knee is highly affordable, with median home values at $40,000 and average rents of $450 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making daily expenses, especially housing, much lower than in most U.S. cities. State taxes are nonexistent, further reducing the financial burden for residents.
Median House Value:
$40,000
Gross Rent:
$450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$520
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$240
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.0
Grocery:
89.0
Housing:
45.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
93.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
87.0
Crime
Is Wounded Knee, SD a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Wounded Knee are higher than average, with a 1 in 125 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a property crime rate of 2,300 per 100,000 residents. Prospective residents should be aware of these statistics and consider local safety measures. The community works to address these concerns while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
800
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,300
Crime Index:
3,100
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 125
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Wounded Knee, SD year-round?
Wounded Knee experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows near 9°F and warm summers reaching highs of 87°F. The area receives about 18.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather 61% of the time. Residents can expect a variety of weather, from snowy winters to mild, pleasant summers.
Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The community has a modest median household income of $26,500 and a higher-than-average poverty rate at 48%. Most neighbors enjoy short commutes of about 18 minutes, and only a small percentage use public transportation. Educational attainment is improving, but only 7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Median Income:
$24,000
Household Income:
$26,500
Family Income:
$28,000
Per Capita Income:
$8,900
Income Male:
$21,000
Income Female:
$17,000
Poverty Rate:
48%
Non English Speakers:
22%
Rent:
$450
Unemployment Rate:
17%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
18 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
64%
Bachelors or More:
7%
Education
How are the schools in Wounded Knee, SD?
Education in Wounded Knee is centered around the Wounded Knee District School, which offers small class sizes and serves about 430 students. Higher education is accessible through Oglala Lakota College, located 32 miles away, providing opportunities for advanced learning within the region. While private school options are limited, public education supports local families.
Public Schools
Name:
Wounded Knee District School
Street:
PO Box 338, Manderson, SD 57756
Phone:
605-867-2335
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
12:1
Colleges
Name:
Oglala Lakota College
City:
Kyle
State:
SD
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Wounded Knee is primarily provided by the Pine Ridge IHS Hospital, offering general and emergency services nearby. There are about 0.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, and 73% of locals have health insurance coverage. While healthcare options are somewhat limited, essential services are accessible within a short drive.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Pine Ridge IHS Hospital
Address:
PHS Indian Health Center, Pine Ridge, SD 57770
Phone:
(605) 867-5131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
73%
Health Care Index:
63.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wounded Knee, SD?
The housing market in Wounded Knee is very affordable, with a median home price of $40,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $450. About 45% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees low rates of new construction and foreclosures. Modest appreciation rates indicate a stable but slow-growing market.
Median Home Price:
$40,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$450
Owner Occupied Rate:
45%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle services for Wounded Knee residents are handled by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, with the main office in Pierre. Residents can access DMV resources online or by phone for licensing and registration needs. The state's DMV provides straightforward services for new residents and drivers.
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.