City Comparison
Vermillion vs Dell Rapids
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Dell Rapids scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Vermillion
Dell Rapids
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
| Metric | Vermillion | Dell Rapids | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $380 | $500 | -24% |
| Utilities | $160 | $200 | -20% |
| Transport | $110 | $150 | -27% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $300 | -27% |
| Monthly Total | $1,720 | $1,150 | +50% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dell Rapids offers 7% 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 Vermillion is estimated at
$45,000 vs $75,000 in Dell Rapids.
| Metric | Vermillion | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,000 | $58,307 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,364 idx | 64,786 idx |
| Household Income | $53,200 | $100,170 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Vermillion runs warmer on average — a 51.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Vermillion comes out ahead with 270 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Vermillion sees 19.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Vermillion | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 13.60°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 31.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 270 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Vermillion has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,500 minutes (108 hours) per year compared to Dell Rapids.
Vermillion scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Vermillion leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Vermillion | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 12 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/100 | 20.0/100 |
| Walkability | 62.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 25.00 | 20.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Vermillion is the larger city
— approximately 2.5x the population of Dell Rapids.
From a growth perspective, Vermillion 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 | Vermillion | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,718 | 3,815 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | — |
| Median Age | 24.5 | 39.3 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 1.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Vermillion
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain significantly below the national average per US Census data.
Extremely low crime rates provide a safe, secure environment for families and students.
The presence of the University of South Dakota enriches the community with cultural events, arts, and continuing education.
Short average commute times allow residents to spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying daily life.
Strong local healthcare access anchored by Sanford Vermillion medical facilities.
Drawbacks
Winter weather brings cold temperatures and snowfall, typical of the Northern Plains region.
Limited public transit options mean residents almost entirely rely on personal vehicles.
Local job market options can be narrower outside of education, healthcare, and public administration sectors.
Distance from major metropolitan areas requires significant travel for major flight hubs or specialized entertainment.
Rental market can experience seasonal tightness driven by the university academic calendar.
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.
Vermillion
#106South Dakota, USA
67.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$54,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
12 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
270/yr
Avg Temp
51.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
78
Business
68
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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