Photo: Wikipedia
Quality of Life in Redfield, 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
49% below national average
The Real Cost of Living in Redfield, SD for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $11k | $20k |
| Comfortable | $23k | $33k |
| Luxury | $87k+ | $135k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $102k+ | $158k+ |
181%
The Area Signal
A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.
Limited data for this area
Limited data for this area
Hobbies
Explore the areaGroceries
3 within 10 miles
Gas
0 within 10 miles
Hospital
1 within 20 miles
Airport
JFK — John F. Kennedy Memorial
Post Office
USPS — Redfield, SD
Critical Amenities
Quality-of-Life Analysis
Redfield, South Dakota, offers a distinctly affordable quality of life that attracts a mix of retirees, agricultural workers, and remote professionals seeking a low-stress, low-cost environment. With a cost of living index of 51 (well below the U.S. average of 100), the community is notably more affordable than larger regional hubs like Aberdeen (roughly 45 miles north) or Sioux Falls (about 130 miles southeast). The population skews older and more family-oriented, with a median age around 42, and the local economy is anchored by agriculture, healthcare (Avera Redfield Hospital), and manufacturing (e.g., Dakota Provisions turkey processing).
How housing costs and daily expenses compare to nearby towns
Redfield’s housing market is a primary draw for budget-conscious movers. The median home value sits at $117,000, roughly half the national median and significantly lower than the South Dakota state median of about $240,000. Median rent is $668, making it one of the most affordable rental markets in the region—comparable to Huron but cheaper than Aberdeen (where median rent exceeds $800). Utility costs are moderate, and South Dakota’s lack of state income tax further stretches household budgets. The average commute of 17.6 minutes is short by national standards, reflecting the town’s compact layout and limited traffic congestion. For context, a worker earning the local median household income (around $55,000) can typically afford a mortgage on a median-priced home with a monthly payment under $800, including taxes and insurance.
What daily life is like for families and retirees in Redfield
Daily life in Redfield revolves around a walkable downtown, local parks (like the 40-acre Memorial Park with a lake and trails), and a handful of community events such as the Spink County Fair and the annual Redfield Car Show. The Redfield School District serves roughly 900 students across one elementary, one middle, and one high school, with a student-teacher ratio of about 14:1—better than the state average. For healthcare, Avera Redfield Hospital provides emergency and primary care, though specialists require a 45-minute drive to Aberdeen. Grocery shopping is limited to a local Fareway and a smaller market; residents often make a monthly trip to Sioux Falls for big-box retailers. The town has a modest restaurant scene (e.g., The Depot Bar & Grill, Pizza Ranch) and a historic downtown with a few antique shops. Outdoor recreation centers on the James River for fishing and kayaking, plus the nearby Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge (30 minutes north) for birding and hiking.
Redfield is best suited for people who prioritize low housing costs, a slower pace, and short commutes over urban amenities and cultural variety. Retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers with stable internet (fiber is available in parts of town), and families seeking a safe, affordable place to raise children will find the most value here. Those who need frequent access to specialty healthcare, diverse dining, or a vibrant nightlife will likely feel constrained and should consider Aberdeen or Sioux Falls instead.
Crime in Redfield, SD
Generally safer than 61% of comparable U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Crime Analysis
Redfield, South Dakota, reports a violent crime rate of 293.3 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,280.6 per 100,000, placing it above national averages for both categories. While not among the state's most dangerous communities, these figures indicate a higher-than-desirable risk for residents, particularly regarding theft and burglary. The city's safety profile is shaped by its small-town character and proximity to larger regional hubs, but the data warrants a cautious assessment for anyone considering relocation.
Crime in context
Redfield's violent crime rate of 293.3 per 100,000 is roughly 20% higher than the national average of approximately 240 per 100,000, and significantly above South Dakota's statewide rate of about 280 per 100,000. Property crime in Redfield, at 1,280.6 per 100,000, exceeds the national average by about 15% and is notably higher than the South Dakota average of roughly 1,100 per 100,000. These numbers place Redfield in a less favorable position compared to many similarly sized towns in the region, such as Aberdeen or Huron, which often report lower crime rates. The elevated property crime rate suggests that theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft are persistent concerns.
What residents experience
Daily life in Redfield involves a tangible awareness of property crime, with residents commonly taking precautions like locking vehicles and securing outbuildings. The violent crime rate, while elevated, is driven by a relatively small number of incidents—typically aggravated assaults and occasional robberies—rather than a pervasive threat of random violence. However, the broader context of progressive criminal justice policies in South Dakota, particularly in more urbanized counties, can influence recidivism and sentencing. Liberal-leaning district attorneys and judges in nearby larger jurisdictions may prioritize rehabilitation over incarceration, potentially leading to more offenders returning to the streets sooner. This dynamic can indirectly affect Redfield, as criminals from surrounding areas may view the town as a softer target. Residents report that while most crime is non-confrontational, the community's trust in the justice system is tempered by concerns that lenient policies undermine public safety.
Neighborhood-level variation in Redfield is modest but noticeable. The central downtown area and older residential streets near the railroad tracks see slightly higher rates of petty theft and vandalism, while newer subdivisions on the outskirts report fewer incidents. Areas immediately adjacent to U.S. Highway 212 and the main commercial corridor experience more property crime, likely due to easier access and transient traffic. Overall, the city lacks the extreme block-by-block disparities seen in larger metros, but residents in lower-density, well-lit neighborhoods generally feel safer. For those moving to Redfield, choosing a home away from major thoroughfares and investing in basic security measures are practical steps to mitigate risk.
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-19T06:54:07.000Z
Narrative content on this page is AI-generated and may contain mistakes. Verify any details that matter before acting on them.
ReloMaps may earn a commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
