City Comparison
Yankton 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
Yankton
Dell Rapids
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
| Metric | Yankton | 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 Yankton is estimated at
$45,000 vs $75,000 in Dell Rapids.
| Metric | Yankton | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,000 | $58,307 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,364 idx | 64,786 idx |
| Household Income | $60,500 | $100,170 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Yankton runs warmer on average — a 51.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Yankton comes out ahead with 269 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Yankton sees 19.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Yankton | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 14.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 28.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 269 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Yankton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Dell Rapids.
Yankton scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Yankton leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Yankton | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/100 | 20.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 20.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Yankton is the larger city
— approximately 4x the population of Dell Rapids.
From a growth perspective, Yankton 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 | Yankton | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 15,411 | 3,815 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | — |
| Median Age | 41.2 | 39.3 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 1.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Yankton
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain significantly below the national average per US Census and Zillow data.
Exceptional access to outdoor recreation, including Lewis and Clark Lake and the Missouri River.
Low crime rates and a strong sense of personal safety across local neighborhoods.
Robust local healthcare services anchored by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Short average commute times and minimal traffic congestion compared to urban centers.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation infrastructure increases reliance on personal vehicles.
Cold winter temperatures and significant snowfall require seasonal preparation.
Fewer high-paying corporate headquarters positions compared to larger metro areas.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options for younger demographics.
Geographic isolation from major metropolitan cultural and shopping centers.
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.
Yankton
#81South Dakota, USA
68.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$54,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
269/yr
Avg Temp
51.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
78
Business
70
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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