Arlington, SD
Population 833 · South Dakota
About Arlington, SD
Arlington is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 833 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,083 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Arlington features a median home value of $122,400, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Arlington one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $836, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 432 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (261 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (95 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Arlington shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Arlington have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.2% of Arlington 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 1.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Arlington Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Arlington, SD
Compared to national averages, Arlington has a median household income of $67,083 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $122,400, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $836 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Arlington's income is 4% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 15% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Arlington, SD?
Arlington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $122,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $836/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,083) that falls below the national average. However, Arlington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Arlington has a population of 833 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare Arlington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Arlington
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in South Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Arlington
What is the population of Arlington, SD?
The population of Arlington, SD is 833 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 Arlington?
The median household income in Arlington, SD is $67,083 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Arlington?
The median home value in Arlington, SD is $122,400, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Arlington?
The median monthly rent in Arlington, SD is $836, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Arlington?
The unemployment rate in Arlington, SD is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Arlington, SD a good place to live?
Arlington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 833 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Arlington, SD?
18.2% of residents in Arlington 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 Arlington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Arlington, SD: median home value is $122,400 (50% below national), median rent is $836/month, and median household income is $67,083. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Arlington?
The poverty rate in Arlington, SD is 16.7%, 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 Arlington, SD?
Arlington's population is 1.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.