Is Spearfish Safe, Pros and cons of living in Spearfish
Spearfish, South Dakota, nestled at the base of the Black Hills, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. This growing community provides a picturesque setting with access to outdoor recreation and a friendly atmosphere. It is a place where residents can enjoy a slower pace of life while still having access to modern amenities and a strong sense of community.
The city is known for its scenic landscapes, including the dramatic Spearfish Canyon, and its proximity to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing. Spearfish also boasts a vibrant downtown area with local shops, restaurants, and cultural events, contributing to its appeal as a desirable place to live.
Is it Safe to Live in Spearfish?
Spearfish generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Spearfish is reported to be 2% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes are notably lower than the national average, with a rate 26.6% lower per 100,000 individuals (as reported by AreaVibes).
While property crime rates are slightly higher than the national average, Spearfish remains a community with a low murder rate, contributing to its overall safety perception (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Spearfish presents a mixed picture regarding affordability and availability. The median home price in Spearfish is approximately $436,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). However, other sources indicate a median listing price of $619,000 (as reported by Realtor.com®).
Rental options in Spearfish are relatively more affordable, with a median rent of $900 per month (as reported by Realtor.com®). This figure is supported by other data indicating an average rent of $1,650 for houses in Spearfish (as reported by Zillow).
Cost of Living
Spearfish’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average. The overall cost of living index in Spearfish is 103, meaning it is 3% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). It is also noted as being 13% higher than the South Dakota average (as reported by AreaVibes).
When compared to other cities nationwide, Spearfish’s cost of living closely mirrors the national average. Essential expenses such as groceries, household costs, healthcare, and utilities are priced comparably to similar urban areas (as reported by AreaVibes).
Housing Expenses
Housing costs in Spearfish are generally considered more affordable than the U.S. average, with one source indicating they are 23.2% lower (as reported by Salary.com). However, another report states that Spearfish housing is 13% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
The median home value in Spearfish is listed as $346,200 (as reported by Niche). Renting may be a more affordable option, as median rent prices are reported to be 12.7% lower than the average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Everyday Expenses
Groceries in Spearfish are less affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Transportation costs are more affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Healthcare costs in Spearfish are less affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Utilities in Spearfish are 1.9% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Taxes in Spearfish include a general sales tax rate that starts at 4.5% and income tax rates that begin at 0% (as reported by AreaVibes).
Job Market and Employment
Spearfish’s job market is characterized by a steady unemployment rate and a variety of employers. The unemployment rate in Spearfish is currently 2.30% (as reported by YCharts). This rate is lower than the long-term average of 3.34% for the area (as reported by YCharts).
The city’s economy is supported by several major employers, including Monument Health, Black Hills State University, and Douglas School District (as reported by Rushmore Region Economic Development Alliance). Other significant employers include Black Hills Energy and Black Hills Federal Credit Union (as reported by Rushmore Region Economic Development Alliance).
Average Salary and Income
The average salary for jobs in Spearfish, South Dakota, is approximately $57,873 per year, or $28 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $65,688 (as reported by World Population Review).
The median income in Spearfish is $66,992, with a median home value of $278,817 (as reported by Livability.com). A significant portion of Spearfish families, approximately 9.5%, live below the poverty line (as reported by Livability.com).
Climate and Weather
Spearfish experiences a climate with four distinct seasons, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The average annual mean temperature is 47.5 degrees Fahrenheit, with average January temperatures around 26.6°F and average July temperatures around 72.6°F (as reported by USDA Forest Service). The city holds a world record for the fastest temperature change, experiencing a 49°F rise in just two minutes on January 22, 1943 (as reported by Wikipedia).
Average annual precipitation in Spearfish is about 22 inches, with average snowfall of 31 inches (as reported by USDA Forest Service). The city has a humid continental climate, with limited snow depth even in winter, and half of winter days having no snow on the ground (as reported by Wikipedia).
Seasonal Variations
Spearfish’s summers are warm and dry, while its winters are cold and snowy (as reported by USDA Forest Service). The average temperature can range from a low of 15°F in January to a high of 85°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Annual snowfall is moderate, with December typically being the snowiest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Total annual precipitation is around 25 inches, classifying it as moderate (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Humidity levels remain comfortable year-round, and the city enjoys approximately 2,754 hours of sunshine annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education and Schools
Spearfish offers a solid educational system, with the Spearfish School District 40-2 receiving a B+ overall Niche Grade (as reported by Niche). The district is ranked among the top school districts in South Dakota, noted for its teachers and academic offerings (as reported by Niche).
Spearfish High School is a standout institution, consistently ranking among the top high schools in South Dakota with a 4-star rating (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). It boasts strong test scores, a high graduation rate of 86.4%, and a low dropout rate of 2.6% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
School Performance
Spearfish Middle School is also a high performer, ranking 75th out of 246 middle schools in South Dakota with a 4-star rating (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Creekside Elementary School consistently ranks in the top half of South Dakota elementary schools with a 3-star rating and above-average test scores (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
The Spearfish School District has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1, with 49% of students proficient in math and 55% proficient in reading, according to state test scores (as reported by Niche). The district is considered above average for public school districts in South Dakota (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Population
Spearfish is home to approximately 12,930 residents, with a median age of 40 (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is relatively balanced, with 48.1% males and 51.9% females (as reported by Point2Homes).
The racial makeup of Spearfish is predominantly White, accounting for 88.5% of the population. Other racial groups include Indigenous American at 3.5%, with smaller percentages for other races (as reported by Point2Homes).
Age and Household Composition
The median age in Spearfish is 40 years old. The population is distributed across various age groups, with about 15.3% under 15, 17.3% between 15 and 24, 24.4% between 25 and 44, 22.4% between 45 and 64, and 20.7% aged 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).
Spearfish has 5,932 households, with an average of two members per household. Of these, 45% are families, while 55% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes).
Income and Poverty
The average annual household income in Spearfish was $89,843 in 2024, showing a 3.7% increase from the previous year (as reported by Point2Homes). The median income stands at $65,688 (as reported by World Population Review).
Households led by residents aged 45 to 64 report the highest median income at $87,921. Households led by those aged 25 to 44 have a median income of $65,436 (as reported by Point2Homes). Despite these figures, 15.23% of Spearfish residents live at or below the poverty line (as reported by World Population Review).