Performance
Score Breakdown
Dell Rapids
Alamogordo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dell Rapids is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
43% lower compared to Alamogordo.
Housing costs are a major driver: Dell Rapids's average rent is
100% lower than Alamogordo's.
| Metric | Dell Rapids | Alamogordo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $0 | $1,098 | -100% |
| Groceries | $500 | $346 | +45% |
| Utilities | $200 | $307 | -35% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $300 | $150 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,150 | $2,021 | -43% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Alamogordo offers 1% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Alamogordo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Dell Rapids is estimated at
$75,000 vs $40,992 in Alamogordo.
| Metric | Dell Rapids | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,307 | $58,673 |
| Salary Needed | $75,000 | $40,992 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,786 idx | 65,192 idx |
| Household Income | $100,170 | $55,952 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Dell Rapids | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Alamogordo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Dell Rapids.
Alamogordo scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dell Rapids leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Dell Rapids | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 24.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Alamogordo is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Dell Rapids.
From a growth perspective, Dell Rapids is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Dell Rapids has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Dell Rapids | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,815 | 31,276 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 39.3 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 1.80% | 4.70% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Dell Rapids
Advantages
Median household income of $100,170 in 2024 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong economic well-being for residents.
High homeownership rate of 82.3% in 2024 suggests a stable and desirable housing market for residents.
The state of South Dakota, which Dell Rapids is part of, had a very low unemployment rate of 1.8% in 2024, indicating a healthy job market in the region.
The median sale price of homes increased by 15.1% over the three months ending May 2026, showing appreciation in property values.
Dell Rapids offers a strong sense of community and a peaceful, small-town lifestyle with access to natural amenities like the Big Sioux River.
Drawbacks
The city's population is projected to be declining at an annual rate of -0.96% in 2026.
Employment in Dell Rapids experienced a decline of -2.49% from 2023 to 2024.
The city is highly car-dependent, with limited public transit and walkability, necessitating personal vehicle ownership for most transportation needs.
Long-term care costs in South Dakota, including assisted living and nursing home care, are substantial, with assisted living averaging $5,341 per month in 2024.
Specific city-level data for various economic indicators like job growth rate and new business growth rate are not readily available, making detailed economic analysis challenging.
Alamogordo
Advantages
The cost of living in Alamogordo is 10% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
The housing market is stable and affordable, with the median home sale price at $235,000 as of May 2026.
Holloman Air Force Base provides a strong and stable economic foundation for the city.
Residents have easy access to unique natural attractions, including the stunning White Sands National Park.
CHRISTUS Health Alamogordo received an 'A' Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for spring 2026, indicating high quality healthcare.
Drawbacks
The city has limited public transportation options and a low walkability score of 24, leading to high car dependency.
The average annual salary of $58,673 in Alamogordo is lower than the national average.
Job growth in Alamogordo is modest, with a 0.736% employment growth rate from 2023 to 2024.
The projected population growth rate for Alamogordo in 2026 is relatively flat at 0.0%.
The city's safety index of 49 suggests a need for improvement in its overall safety profile.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Dell Rapids
#50South Dakota, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$58,307
Cost Index
90
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
1.80%
Livability
75
Business
60
Alamogordo
#65New Mexico, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,098
Avg Salary
$58,673
Cost Index
90
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
24.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.70%
Livability
70
Business
65
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