Bison, SD
Population 419 · South Dakota
About Bison, SD
Bison is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 419 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,273 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.8 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 Bison features a median home value of $72,300, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bison one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $943, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 247 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (157 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (45 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bison shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bison have an average one-way commute time of 10.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.0% of Bison 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, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bison, SD
Compared to national averages, Bison has a median household income of $62,273 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $72,300, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $943 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Bison's income is 4% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 50% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Bison, SD?
Bison offers affordable housing with a median home value of $72,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $943/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 10.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,273) that falls below the national average. However, Bison’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bison has a population of 419 with a median age of 46.8 years. Compare Bison with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Bison
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Lake | 423 | $48,906 | $59,300 | Compare |
| Iroquois | 425 | $60,750 | $138,500 | Compare |
| Lake Poinsett | 413 | $101,136 | $446,600 | Compare |
| Waubay | 425 | $36,635 | $105,000 | Compare |
| Mountain Plains | 412 | $166,641 | $606,100 | Compare |
| Kadoka | 427 | $36,786 | $0 | Compare |
| Ramona | 427 | $76,042 | $92,900 | Compare |
| Veblen | 428 | $52,917 | $40,800 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bison
What is the population of Bison, SD?
The population of Bison, SD is 419 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 Bison?
The median household income in Bison, SD is $62,273 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bison?
The median home value in Bison, SD is $72,300, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bison?
The median monthly rent in Bison, SD is $943, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bison?
The unemployment rate in Bison, SD is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bison, SD a good place to live?
Bison offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 419 and a median age of 46.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bison, SD?
20.0% of residents in Bison 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 Bison?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bison, SD: median home value is $72,300 (70% below national), median rent is $943/month, and median household income is $62,273. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bison?
The poverty rate in Bison, SD is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bison, SD?
Bison's population is 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.