Bonesteel, SD
Population 301 · South Dakota
About Bonesteel, SD
Bonesteel is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 301 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,750 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.8 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 Bonesteel features a median home value of $65,000, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bonesteel one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $580, 50% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 150 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (74 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (34 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bonesteel shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 31.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bonesteel have an average one-way commute time of 18.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.8% of Bonesteel 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, 33.9% 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 Bonesteel, SD
Compared to national averages, Bonesteel has a median household income of $40,750 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $65,000, which is 73% below the national median. Monthly rent at $580 is 50% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Bonesteel's income is 37% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 55% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Bonesteel, SD?
Bonesteel offers affordable housing with a median home value of $65,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $580/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,750) that falls below the national average. However, Bonesteel’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bonesteel has a population of 301 with a median age of 42.8 years. Compare Bonesteel 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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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 Bonesteel
What is the population of Bonesteel, SD?
The population of Bonesteel, SD is 301 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 Bonesteel?
The median household income in Bonesteel, SD is $40,750 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bonesteel?
The median home value in Bonesteel, SD is $65,000, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bonesteel?
The median monthly rent in Bonesteel, SD is $580, which is 50% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bonesteel?
The unemployment rate in Bonesteel, SD is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bonesteel, SD a good place to live?
Bonesteel offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 301 and a median age of 42.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bonesteel, SD?
13.8% of residents in Bonesteel 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 Bonesteel?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bonesteel, SD: median home value is $65,000 (73% below national), median rent is $580/month, and median household income is $40,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bonesteel?
The poverty rate in Bonesteel, SD is 31.8%, 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 Bonesteel, SD?
Bonesteel's population is 0.0% White, 33.9% 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.