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.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
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.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Health & Safety
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
Rapid Valley, South Dakota is a small-sized city with a population of 8,553 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Rapid Valley is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Rapid Valley offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Rapid Valley can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of South Dakota, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Rapid Valley and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, commute, health & safety, employment, housing and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 60 out of 100, Rapid Valley is ranked #17,059 in the United States and #222 in South Dakota. Compared to the US average, this area has a score which ranks among the lowest in the nation, and it is not considered a very livable city. For each of the livability categories, we see that Rapid Valley ranks very well for cost of living (A+), employment (B+) and housing (A-). Rapid Valley does not rank well for the following: amenities (F) and education (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
The unemployment rate in Rapid Valley has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 0.9%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
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 Valley 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.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Rapid Valley is real estate affordability. The median home price for Rapid Valley homes is $163,400, which is 11.4% higher than the South Dakota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Rapid Valley, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 10.7% lower than the South Dakota average.
| Statistic | Rapid Valley | South Dakota | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 17min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 88.1% | 79.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.2% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.2% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.3% | 5.5% | 4.6% |
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