Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Located in the state of South Dakota, Yankton is a mid-sized city with a population of 15,183 people. At 89%, the majority of the Yankton population is White; this is followed by 4% American Indian and Alaskan and 2% Black. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Yankton will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 12 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Yankton is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in South Dakota, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like amenities, cost of living, commute, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Yankton and in the areas around Yankton is a much easier task.
Yankton, SD receives 75 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #26 in South Dakota and #3,551 in the USA. Based on this score, Yankton would be considered a very livable city! For each of the livability categories, we know that Yankton ranks very well for employment (B-) and housing (A+). Yankton does not rank well for the following: amenities (F) and crime (D). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Yankton, the unemployment rate stands at 0.7%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Yankton excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Yankton real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Yankton. Median real estate prices in Yankton come in at $271,469, which is 4.2% higher than the South Dakota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Yankton, the home price to income ratio is 3.4, which is 3% higher than the South Dakota average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Yankton | South Dakota | National |
| Average one way commute | 12min | 17min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.2% | 79.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.8% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.7% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.9% | 5.5% | 4.6% |
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