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Quality of Life in Beresford, SD
Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.
What does Quality of Life tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
What does this tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
Cost of Living
24% below national average
The Real Cost of Living in Beresford, SD for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $14k | $26k |
| Comfortable | $43k | $63k |
| Luxury | $97k+ | $150k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $114k+ | $177k+ |
113%
The Area Signal
A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.
Hobbies
Explore the areaGroceries
0 within 10 miles
Gas
5 within 10 miles
Hospital
3 within 20 miles
Airport
MCI — Kansas City International
Post Office
USPS — Beresford, SD
Critical Amenities
Quality-of-Life Analysis
Beresford, South Dakota, presents a notably affordable quality of life that attracts a mix of young families, agricultural professionals, and commuters seeking a small-town base with strong schools. With a cost of living index of 76—well below the U.S. average of 100—the community draws residents who prioritize financial stability and a slower pace over urban amenities. The median household income hovers near the state average, supporting a predominantly middle-class demographic, while the town’s proximity to Sioux Falls (roughly 25 miles north) makes it a practical choice for those who work in the metro but prefer a rural home environment.
Cost of living and housing affordability compared to Sioux Falls and Vermillion
Beresford’s housing market is a primary driver of its low cost of living. The median home value sits at $219,800, which is roughly 15% lower than the Sioux Falls metro median and significantly under the national figure. Renters also benefit: the median rent of $868 is about $200 less per month than comparable units in Sioux Falls and undercuts Vermillion’s rental market by roughly $100. For homeowners, property taxes in Lincoln County are moderate—around 1.2% of assessed value—and South Dakota’s lack of a state income tax further stretches household budgets. The average commute of 17.6 minutes is notably short for the region, reflecting the town’s compact layout and the fact that many residents work locally in agriculture, manufacturing (e.g., the nearby Dakota Provisions turkey processing plant), or retail. Compared to the 22-minute average commute in Sioux Falls, Beresford residents save roughly 10 minutes per day in travel time, which translates to lower transportation costs and more time at home.
Schools, local amenities, and the daily rhythm of life
Beresford’s public school system is a central anchor for families. The Beresford School District consistently ranks among the top in Lincoln County, with a student-teacher ratio of approximately 14:1 and strong test scores in reading and math. The district also offers a well-regarded vocational agriculture program, reflecting the area’s farming heritage. Daily life revolves around a compact downtown with a grocery store, a hardware store, a handful of locally owned restaurants (like the Beresford Cafe), and a public library. For broader shopping and entertainment, residents drive 25 minutes to Sioux Falls, which provides major retailers, a regional hospital, and cultural venues like the Washington Pavilion. Outdoor recreation is limited but functional: the city maintains a small park system, a public swimming pool, and the nearby Union Creek offers fishing and hiking. The town’s rhythm is quiet and predictable—most businesses close by 6 p.m., and community events like the annual Beresford Summer Celebration and the Lincoln County Fair in nearby Canton punctuate the calendar.
Beresford is best suited for those who value low housing costs, short commutes, and a tight-knit school community over urban nightlife or diverse dining. Young families will find the school system and safety appealing—the violent crime rate is roughly half the national average—while retirees on fixed incomes benefit from the low cost of living and proximity to Sioux Falls healthcare. Professionals who work remotely or in Sioux Falls will appreciate the 17-minute commute and the ability to own a home on a single income. However, singles seeking a vibrant social scene or extensive job options may find the town limiting; the local economy is heavily tied to agriculture and light manufacturing, and career growth often requires commuting or relocating. For those who prioritize financial breathing room and a predictable, family-oriented environment, Beresford delivers a stable and affordable foundation.
Crime in Beresford, SD
Lower crime rates than 85% of comparable U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Crime Analysis
Beresford, South Dakota, presents a mixed safety profile that is significantly safer than the national average for violent crime but carries a property crime rate that warrants attention. With a violent crime rate of 193.7 per 100,000 residents, Beresford is a notably safer community than the U.S. average of roughly 380 per 100,000, though it sits slightly above the South Dakota state average. However, the city's property crime rate of 823.2 per 100,000 is a key concern, as it exceeds both the state and national benchmarks, indicating that theft, burglary, and vehicle-related crimes are more common than in many peer communities.
Crime in context
When comparing Beresford to broader trends, the violent crime rate is a clear positive. The city's figure is roughly half the national rate, placing it in a safer tier than many small towns in the Upper Midwest. For context, the national violent crime rate in 2023 was approximately 380 per 100,000, while South Dakota's state rate hovered around 400 per 100,000. Beresford's property crime rate, however, is a different story. At 823.2 per 100,000, it is higher than the national average of about 1,950 per 100,000 but still well below that mark. Yet it is notably elevated compared to the South Dakota state average of roughly 1,500 per 100,000, suggesting that property crime is a more pressing issue locally than violent offenses. This pattern is common in small agricultural and commuter towns where transient populations and limited police resources can contribute to higher theft rates.
What residents experience
For daily life in Beresford, the low violent crime rate means that serious incidents like homicide, robbery, and aggravated assault are rare. Residents generally feel safe walking downtown or letting children play in yards. The primary concern is property crime, which often manifests as theft from vehicles, shed break-ins, and occasional residential burglaries. These crimes are typically opportunistic rather than targeted, and many residents mitigate risk through basic precautions like locking doors and using outdoor lighting. The local police department maintains a visible presence, and community watch programs are active in several neighborhoods. It is important to note that Beresford is not a large metro area with progressive district attorneys or lenient judicial policies; the local justice system in Union and Lincoln counties is generally conservative, emphasizing enforcement and accountability. This context means that the property crime rate is not a symptom of soft-on-crime policies but rather a reflection of rural crime patterns tied to economic factors and accessibility.
Neighborhood-level variation in Beresford is modest but present. Older, established residential areas near the downtown core and along the main commercial corridors tend to see slightly higher property crime due to foot traffic and easier access. Newer subdivisions on the outskirts, particularly those with limited through-traffic, report fewer incidents. The area around the Beresford High School and the industrial park near Highway 18 is generally considered safe, though residents near the city's edge—closer to farmland and unincorporated areas—should be aware of occasional theft from farm equipment and outbuildings. Overall, Beresford is a community where violent crime is a minimal concern, but property crime requires routine vigilance.
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-05-02T05:33:49.000Z
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