What to know when moving to Mitchell, SD
TL;DR: Mitchell at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 36.9% of residents rent and the median household income is $60,671.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $775, making it relatively affordable compared to many areas.
- The Reality Check:
- 13.2% of residents live in poverty, which is a notable economic concern.
- Commute:
- Only 0.9% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $775/month in rent to find a typical place here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Mitchell has a population of about 19,142, and a quarter of residents hold a bachelor's degree, reflecting a moderately educated community. The housing market leans towards ownership, with 63.1% of residents owning their homes. However, the 13.2% poverty rate suggests that economic challenges exist for some households.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a city with a strong public transit system, as only 0.9% of people commute via public transportation.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $775, while the median home value is $191,300.
- 25.1% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to the community's character.
- 13.2% of residents live below the poverty line, indicating economic diversity.
- Renter percentage stands at 36.9%, showing a mix of rental and owned properties.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In South Dakota, property crime rates are lower than the national average, with a state annual rate of 1,430.4 per 100,000 people, compared to the national rate of 1,546.9. Meanwhile, violent crime is slightly higher than the national average at 327.7 per 100,000.
- Violent crime: 327.7 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3, with a trend showing a 19.1% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,430.4 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546.9, down 23.6% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 31% since 2022, currently at 3.4 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for South Dakota).
Schools & Higher Ed
Mitchell is home to two postsecondary institutions, providing local access to higher education.
- Postsecondary institutions: 2
- With College Scorecard data: 2
- Schools include Dakota Wesleyan University and Mitchell Technical College.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While climate data isn't available, there are several outdoor spots in Mitchell that residents can enjoy.
- The Mitchell Indigenous Archaeological Site & Museum - 4.6 stars (548 reviews)
- Hitchcock Park - 4.6 stars (348 reviews)
- R & R Campground and RV Park - 4.3 stars (206 reviews)
- Lake Mitchell Hiking and Biking Trails - 4.6 stars (72 reviews)
- Cadwell Dog Park - 4.7 stars (94 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.