Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Crime
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
Located in the state of South Dakota, Rapid City is a medium-sized city with a population of 76,541 inhabitants. The majority of Rapid City residents report their race to be White; this is followed by American Indian and Alaskan and Asian. Rapid City is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 50% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Rapid City. With an average one way commute time of only 17 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Rapid City, South Dakota. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Rapid City and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Rapid City to South Dakota and the national average.
Rapid City has a livability score of 74/100 and is ranked #25 in South Dakota and #3,587 in the USA. If we examine each of the categories individually, we see that Rapid City ranks well for amenities (A), cost of living (A+) and housing (A-). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Rapid City. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: crime (F).
Living in Rapid City offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Rapid City provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Cosmos of the Black Hills, Storybook Island, and Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Cowboy Music Show.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Rapid City market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Rapid City meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Rapid City. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Rapid City are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Rapid City come in at $194,100, which is 32.3% higher than the South Dakota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Rapid City, the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 28.6% higher than the South Dakota average.
| Statistic | Rapid City | South Dakota | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 17min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.9% | 79.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.1% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.3% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.9% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.3% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.9% | 5.5% | 4.6% |
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