Alcester, SD
Population 987 · South Dakota
About Alcester, SD
Alcester is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 987 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,661 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Alcester features a median home value of $114,400, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Alcester one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $690, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 398 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (268 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (103 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alcester shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Alcester have an average one-way commute time of 15 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.9% of Alcester residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Alcester Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Alcester, SD
Compared to national averages, Alcester has a median household income of $58,661 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $114,400, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $690 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Alcester's income is 9% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 20% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Alcester, SD?
Alcester offers affordable housing with a median home value of $114,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $690/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 12.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,661) that falls below the national average. However, Alcester’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Alcester has a population of 987 with a median age of 42.9 years. Compare Alcester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Alcester
What is the population of Alcester, SD?
The population of Alcester, SD is 987 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in South Dakota.
What is the median household income in Alcester?
The median household income in Alcester, SD is $58,661 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alcester?
The median home value in Alcester, SD is $114,400, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Alcester?
The median monthly rent in Alcester, SD is $690, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alcester?
The unemployment rate in Alcester, SD is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Alcester, SD a good place to live?
Alcester offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 987 and a median age of 42.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Alcester, SD?
15.9% of residents in Alcester aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Alcester?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alcester, SD: median home value is $114,400 (53% below national), median rent is $690/month, and median household income is $58,661. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Alcester?
The poverty rate in Alcester, SD is 12.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Alcester, SD?
Alcester's population is 1.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.