IndependenceSD
A town of 71. Nearly 31.7% of it is conserved land.
Population
71
residents
Median home value
$346K
Census ACS
Household income
$76K
median
Median age
69.9
years
What makes Independence stand out
The thing Independence does most differently from other towns.
Small town
71 people, and everyone knows the way
In a town this size, neighbors are the best guide. Ask them anything.
Nearby towns
HomerLibertySissetonLynnIndependence
Independence’s report card
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The data
Ordered by what stands out in Independence. Another town gets a different order.
Outdoors
Nearly a third of Independence is conserved land
0.8 miles of trails across 1 parks and preserves.
31.7%conserved
31.7%
conserved · 7,270 of 22,924 acres
0.8 mi
of trails · 0 per sq mi
| Biggest places to walk | Trails | Acres |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Augustana Waterfowl Production Area | — | 2 |
Trails & parks © OpenStreetMap contributors · Conserved land: USGS PAD-USParks & trails →
Natural hazards
Very low risk, with cold waves at the top
Expected storm and flood damage is higher than in 18% of U.S. communities.
18risk score of 100
FEMA risk score
Cold wavesInland floodingStrong wind
FEMA National Risk Index · OpenFEMANatural hazards →
Climate
Snowy winters, pleasant summers
Independence has cold, snowy winters and pleasant summers. A typical July afternoon reaches 81°, a January night drops to 3°, and about 43 inches of snow falls in a normal winter.
43″snow a winter
Typical low → high °F
Winter6–23°
Spring31–52°
Summer57–78°
Fall35–55°
Oct 6
typical first frost
May 4
typical last frost
+1.1°
vs. the 20th-century average
NOAA U.S. Climate Normals, 1991–2020Full climate →
Health
How healthy Independence is
Independence beats the South Dakota average on 2 of 26 CDC measures and trails it on 7.
26 measures vs. South Dakota
2 better17 too close to call7 worse
| What stands out | Independence | SD |
|---|---|---|
| More adults treating high blood pressure | 80.3% | 75.9% |
| More adults getting cholesterol checked | 87.7% | 84.8% |
| More adults with heart disease | 8.9% | 6.8% |
Sanford Hospital Webster - Cah
15.3 mi away · emergency room
3 of 3
care shortages: primary care, dental, mental health
CDC PLACES 2025 · modeled estimates for adults · CMS · HRSAFull health report →
More about Independence
Still missing for Independence:a photo of Independencelocal news coveragearchive photosupcoming events