Allen, SD
Population 860 · South Dakota
About Allen, SD
Allen is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 860 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 20.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Allen features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Allen one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $618, 47% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 127 total housing units, 10% are owner-occupied (12 units) and 90% are renter-occupied (106 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Allen shows an unemployment rate of 12.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 34.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Allen have an average one-way commute time of 9.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of Allen 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 0.0% White, 100.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Allen, SD
Compared to national averages, Allen has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $618 is 47% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Allen's income is 100% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 100% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Allen, SD?
Allen offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $618/month, and short commute times averaging just 9.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Allen’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Allen has a population of 860 with a median age of 20.2 years. Compare Allen with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Allen
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estelline | 862 | $74,231 | $139,000 | Compare |
| Viborg | 874 | $52,794 | $140,000 | Compare |
| Edgemont | 845 | $42,440 | $81,100 | Compare |
| Centerville | 876 | $58,438 | $123,600 | Compare |
| Meadow View Addition | 880 | $92,470 | $227,700 | Compare |
| Lake Madison | 885 | $116,648 | $496,600 | Compare |
| Arlington | 833 | $67,083 | $122,400 | Compare |
| Mina | 888 | $102,969 | $448,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Allen With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Allen
What is the population of Allen, SD?
The population of Allen, SD is 860 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 Allen?
The median household income in Allen, SD is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Allen?
The median home value in Allen, SD is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Allen?
The median monthly rent in Allen, SD is $618, which is 47% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Allen?
The unemployment rate in Allen, SD is 12.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Allen, SD a good place to live?
Allen offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 860 and a median age of 20.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Allen, SD?
0.0% of residents in Allen 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 Allen?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Allen, SD: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $618/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is NaNx, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Allen?
The poverty rate in Allen, SD is 34.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Allen, SD?
Allen's population is 0.0% White, 100.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.