Big Stone City, SD
Population 609 · South Dakota
About Big Stone City, SD
Big Stone City is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 609 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,333 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 62.3 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 Big Stone City features a median home value of $122,500, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Big Stone City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $705, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 365 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (230 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (80 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Big Stone City shows an unemployment rate of 0.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Big Stone City have an average one-way commute time of 13 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
8.2% of Big Stone City 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 5.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Big Stone City Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Big Stone City, SD
Compared to national averages, Big Stone City has a median household income of $50,333 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $122,500, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $705 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Big Stone City's income is 22% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 15% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Big Stone City, SD?
Big Stone City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $122,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $705/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.8%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 13 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,333) that falls below the national average. However, Big Stone City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Big Stone City has a population of 609 with a median age of 62.3 years. Compare Big Stone City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
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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 Big Stone City
What is the population of Big Stone City, SD?
The population of Big Stone City, SD is 609 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 Big Stone City?
The median household income in Big Stone City, SD is $50,333 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Big Stone City?
The median home value in Big Stone City, SD is $122,500, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Big Stone City?
The median monthly rent in Big Stone City, SD is $705, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Big Stone City?
The unemployment rate in Big Stone City, SD is 0.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Big Stone City, SD a good place to live?
Big Stone City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 609 and a median age of 62.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Big Stone City, SD?
8.2% of residents in Big Stone City 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 Big Stone City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Big Stone City, SD: median home value is $122,500 (50% below national), median rent is $705/month, and median household income is $50,333. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Big Stone City?
The poverty rate in Big Stone City, SD is 18.9%, 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 Big Stone City, SD?
Big Stone City's population is 5.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.