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.
Located in the state of South Dakota, Spearfish is a moderately-sized city with a population of 12,076 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (92% White). Given that fact, Spearfish could be considered less diverse than other cities. In Spearfish, only 47% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Spearfish will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Living in Spearfish can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of South Dakota, there are many desirable 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 commute, health & safety, education, employment and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 67 out of 100, Spearfish is ranked #9,270 in the United States and #84 in South Dakota. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Spearfish has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+), education (B+) and housing (A-). The bad news for Spearfish, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Spearfish has an unemployment rate of 1.1% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Spearfish apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Spearfish is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Spearfish come in at $404,265, which is 55.2% 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 5.4, which is 63.6% higher than the South Dakota average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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% |
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