City Comparison
Vermillion vs Mitchell
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Mitchell scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Vermillion
Mitchell
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
| Metric | Vermillion | Mitchell | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $850 | 0% |
| Groceries | $380 | $380 | 0% |
| Utilities | $160 | $160 | 0% |
| Transport | $110 | $110 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $220 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,720 | $1,720 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Vermillion offers similar average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Vermillion delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Vermillion is estimated at
$45,000 vs $45,000 in Mitchell.
| Metric | Vermillion | Mitchell |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,000 | $54,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,364 idx | 60,674 idx |
| Household Income | $53,200 | $58,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.3°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Mitchell sees 1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Vermillion | Mitchell |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.40°F | 50.10°F |
| Summer High | 82.60°F | 83.00°F |
| Winter Low | 13.60°F | 11.70°F |
| Rainfall | 31.10 in | 24.40 in |
| Snowfall | 19.80 in | 20.80 in |
| Sunny Days | 270 | 272 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
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 | Mitchell |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 12 min | 14 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 62.0/100 | 52.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 25.00 | 22.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mitchell is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Vermillion.
From a growth perspective, Vermillion is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Vermillion | Mitchell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,718 | 15,660 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 24.5 | 39.5 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 2.80% |
| 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.
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
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
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
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