City Comparison
Madison vs Dell Rapids
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Madison scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Madison
Dell Rapids
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
| Metric | Madison | Dell Rapids | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $774 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $0 | $500 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $200 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $150 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $300 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $774 | $1,150 | -33% |
| Cost Index | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Madison offers 12% higher average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Madison is estimated at
$30,960 vs $75,000 in Dell Rapids.
| Metric | Madison | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,593 | $58,307 |
| Salary Needed | $30,960 | $75,000 |
| Household Income | $65,593 | $100,170 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Madison runs warmer on average — a 47.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Madison comes out ahead with 277 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Madison sees 22.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Madison | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 47.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 79.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 8.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 29.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 22.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 277 | |
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Madison has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,000 minutes (117 hours) per year compared to Dell Rapids.
Dell Rapids scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Madison leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Madison | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 11 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 4.0/100 | 20.0/100 |
| Walkability | 50.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Madison is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Dell Rapids.
From a growth perspective, Madison 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 | Madison | Dell Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,094 | 3,815 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 40.1 | 39.3 |
| Unemployment | 2.00% | 1.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Madison
Advantages
Affordable cost of living, with average rent significantly lower than the national average.
Low violent crime rate, making it a safe place to live with a 'A' safety grade.
Short average commute time of 11.4 minutes, allowing for more personal time.
Strong presence of educational institutions like Dakota State University, contributing to a youthful atmosphere.
Generally lower median property values compared to the national average.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is high, with an 'Exceptionally Drivable' score and limited transit reach.
Walkability is moderate, with a score of 50/100, indicating that most daily errands would require a vehicle.
Population has shown a declining trend in recent years.
Limited major retail and entertainment options within the city, requiring travel to larger centers like Sioux Falls.
The job market has seen a slight decline in employment in recent years.
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.
Madison
#10South Dakota, USA
75.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$774
Avg Salary
$65,593
Cost Index
Commute
11 min
Transit Score
4.0/100
Walkability
50.0/100
Sunny Days
277/yr
Avg Temp
47.60°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
2.00%
Livability
75
Business
60
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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