City Comparison
Spearfish vs Dell Rapids
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Spearfish scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Spearfish
Dell Rapids
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
| Metric | Spearfish | Dell Rapids | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $380 | $500 | -24% |
| Utilities | $170 | $200 | -15% |
| Transport | $110 | $150 | -27% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $300 | -27% |
| Monthly Total | $2,030 | $1,150 | +77% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dell Rapids offers 4% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dell Rapids delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Spearfish is estimated at
$48,000 vs $75,000 in Dell Rapids.
| Metric | Spearfish | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,000 | $58,307 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 57,143 idx | 64,786 idx |
| Household Income | $61,500 | $100,170 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Spearfish runs warmer on average — a 48.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Spearfish comes out ahead with 272 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Spearfish sees 31.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Spearfish | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 48.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 79.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 16.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 22.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 31.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 272 | |
| Humidity | 60.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Spearfish has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Dell Rapids.
Spearfish scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Spearfish leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Spearfish | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 20.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 20.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Spearfish is the larger city
— approximately 3.2x the population of Dell Rapids.
From a growth perspective, Spearfish is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Dell Rapids has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Spearfish | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,193 | 3,815 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | — |
| Median Age | 36.5 | 39.3 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 1.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Spearfish
Advantages
Stunning natural setting with direct access to Spearfish Canyon and Black Hills recreation
Exceptionally low crime rates and a strong sense of community safety
Absence of state personal income tax in South Dakota
Home to Black Hills State University, bringing cultural events and educational opportunities
Over 270 sunny days per year supporting an active outdoor lifestyle
Drawbacks
Competitive housing market with limited geographic expansion space
Higher cost of living compared to the rural South Dakota average
Cold winter temperatures and occasional heavy snowfall
Limited public transportation options requiring car ownership
Nontrivial seasonal tourist traffic during peak summer months
Dell Rapids
Advantages
Median household income of $100,170 in 2024 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong economic well-being for residents.
High homeownership rate of 82.3% in 2024 suggests a stable and desirable housing market for residents.
The state of South Dakota, which Dell Rapids is part of, had a very low unemployment rate of 1.8% in 2024, indicating a healthy job market in the region.
The median sale price of homes increased by 15.1% over the three months ending May 2026, showing appreciation in property values.
Dell Rapids offers a strong sense of community and a peaceful, small-town lifestyle with access to natural amenities like the Big Sioux River.
Drawbacks
The city's population is projected to be declining at an annual rate of -0.96% in 2026.
Employment in Dell Rapids experienced a decline of -2.49% from 2023 to 2024.
The city is highly car-dependent, with limited public transit and walkability, necessitating personal vehicle ownership for most transportation needs.
Long-term care costs in South Dakota, including assisted living and nursing home care, are substantial, with assisted living averaging $5,341 per month in 2024.
Specific city-level data for various economic indicators like job growth rate and new business growth rate are not readily available, making detailed economic analysis challenging.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Spearfish
#70South Dakota, USA
69.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$56,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
272/yr
Avg Temp
48.50°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
82
Business
72
Dell Rapids
#72South Dakota, USA
69.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$58,307
Cost Index
90
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
20.0/100
Walkability
30.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
1.80%
Livability
75
Business
60
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