Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Schools
The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Spearfish is a moderately-sized city located in the state of South Dakota. The city has a population of 11,702 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Spearfish is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are American Indian and Alaskan and Black. Spearfish is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 47% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Spearfish. With an average one way commute time of only 16 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Spearfish can be a good experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of South Dakota, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Spearfish and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, health & safety, housing and other important metrics.
Spearfish, SD receives 67 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #90 in South Dakota and #8,964 in the USA. If we check out each of the categories individually, we see that Spearfish ranks well for crime (B+), cost of living (A), education (B+) and housing (B-). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Spearfish. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (F).
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Spearfish, the unemployment rate stands at 1.04%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Spearfish can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Spearfish. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Spearfish are affordable. Median real estate prices in Spearfish come in at $223,200, which is 52.1% higher than the South Dakota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Spearfish, the home price to income ratio is 4.5, which is 60.7% higher than the South Dakota average.
| Statistic | Spearfish | South Dakota | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 17min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.0% | 79.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.5% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.6% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 5.4% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.7% | 5.5% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in South Dakota
Check out the 10 safest cities in South Dakota
See the best places to live in & around Spearfish
These are the 10 most affordable cities in South Dakota