Belle Fourche, SD
Population 5,741 · South Dakota
About Belle Fourche, SD
Belle Fourche is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 5,741 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,920 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Belle Fourche features a median home value of $188,800, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Belle Fourche in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $947, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,540 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (1,746 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (661 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Belle Fourche shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Belle Fourche have an average one-way commute time of 22.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.2% of Belle Fourche 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 2.1% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 0.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Belle Fourche Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Belle Fourche, SD
Compared to national averages, Belle Fourche has a median household income of $59,920 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $188,800, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $947 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Belle Fourche's income is 7% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 31% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Belle Fourche, SD?
Belle Fourche offers affordable housing with a median home value of $188,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $947/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,920) that falls below the national average. However, Belle Fourche’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Belle Fourche has a population of 5,741 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Belle Fourche with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Belle Fourche
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison | 6,158 | $62,180 | $191,400 | Compare |
| Tea | 6,339 | $104,643 | $305,300 | Compare |
| Sturgis | 7,111 | $51,101 | $236,400 | Compare |
| Rapid Valley | 7,153 | $85,217 | $226,300 | Compare |
| Dakota Dunes | 4,129 | $123,438 | $495,000 | Compare |
| Dell Rapids | 3,947 | $101,250 | $284,400 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 7,790 | $101,534 | $281,400 | Compare |
| Milbank | 3,513 | $58,462 | $161,300 | 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 Belle Fourche With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Belle Fourche
What is the population of Belle Fourche, SD?
The population of Belle Fourche, SD is 5,741 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in South Dakota.
What is the median household income in Belle Fourche?
The median household income in Belle Fourche, SD is $59,920 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Belle Fourche?
The median home value in Belle Fourche, SD is $188,800, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Belle Fourche?
The median monthly rent in Belle Fourche, SD is $947, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Belle Fourche?
The unemployment rate in Belle Fourche, SD is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Belle Fourche, SD a good place to live?
Belle Fourche offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,741 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Belle Fourche, SD?
15.2% of residents in Belle Fourche 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 Belle Fourche?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Belle Fourche, SD: median home value is $188,800 (23% below national), median rent is $947/month, and median household income is $59,920. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Belle Fourche?
The poverty rate in Belle Fourche, SD is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Belle Fourche, SD?
Belle Fourche's population is 2.1% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.1% of residents are foreign-born.