City Comparison
Mitchell vs Spearfish
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Spearfish scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Mitchell
Spearfish
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Mitchell is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
15% lower than in Spearfish.
Housing costs are a major driver: Mitchell's average rent is
26% lower than Spearfish's.
| Metric | Mitchell | Spearfish | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,150 | -26% |
| Groceries | $380 | $380 | 0% |
| Utilities | $160 | $170 | -6% |
| Transport | $110 | $110 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $220 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,720 | $2,030 | -15% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Spearfish offers 4% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Mitchell delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Mitchell is estimated at
$45,000 vs $48,000 in Spearfish.
| Metric | Mitchell | Spearfish |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,000 | $56,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $48,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,674 idx | 57,143 idx |
| Household Income | $58,500 | $61,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.6°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Spearfish sees 11.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Mitchell | Spearfish |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.10°F | 48.50°F |
| Summer High | 83.00°F | 79.20°F |
| Winter Low | 11.70°F | 16.50°F |
| Rainfall | 24.40 in | 22.50 in |
| Snowfall | 20.80 in | 31.90 in |
| Sunny Days | 272 | 272 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 60.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Spearfish leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Mitchell | Spearfish |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 14 min | 15 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 22.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mitchell is the larger city
— approximately 1.3x the population of Spearfish.
From a growth perspective, Spearfish is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Mitchell | Spearfish |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 15,660 | 12,193 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 1.80% |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 36.5 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 2.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Mitchell
Advantages
Median home price is significantly lower than the US national average per Zillow 2024 data
Average commute time is under 15 minutes, offering exceptional daily convenience
Crime rates in Mitchell are well below both South Dakota and national averages
Strong local healthcare infrastructure anchored by Avera Queen of Peace Hospital
Access to higher education and community programs via Dakota Wesleyan University
Drawbacks
Cold and snowy winter conditions require preparation and winterized vehicles
Limited public transit options require residents to rely heavily on personal vehicles
Fewer high-paying corporate headquarters positions compared to larger metropolitan hubs
Limited nightlife and entertainment options for young adults seeking a bustling city scene
Distance from major major metropolitan airports requires driving to Sioux Falls for flights
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
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Mitchell
#95South Dakota, USA
67.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$54,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
14 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
272/yr
Avg Temp
50.10°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
78
Business
70
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
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