Bowdle, SD
Population 442 · South Dakota
About Bowdle, SD
Bowdle is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 442 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,875 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bowdle features a median home value of $95,600, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bowdle one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $693, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 247 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (102 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (77 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bowdle 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 15.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bowdle have an average one-way commute time of 8.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.9% of Bowdle residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.1% White, 0.0% 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 Bowdle, SD
Compared to national averages, Bowdle has a median household income of $55,875 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $95,600, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $693 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Bowdle's income is 14% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 33% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Bowdle, SD?
Bowdle offers affordable housing with a median home value of $95,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $693/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 8.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,875) that falls below the national average. However, Bowdle’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bowdle has a population of 442 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Bowdle with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Bowdle
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oahe Acres | 443 | $76,375 | $267,500 | Compare |
| Wilmot | 441 | $61,563 | $68,600 | Compare |
| White | 438 | $63,125 | $141,700 | Compare |
| Mount Vernon | 437 | $58,542 | $163,100 | Compare |
| Rosholt | 430 | $62,375 | $115,800 | Compare |
| Willow Lake | 455 | $63,929 | $150,000 | Compare |
| Bridgewater | 456 | $38,500 | $86,900 | 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.
Compare Bowdle With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bowdle
What is the population of Bowdle, SD?
The population of Bowdle, SD is 442 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 Bowdle?
The median household income in Bowdle, SD is $55,875 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bowdle?
The median home value in Bowdle, SD is $95,600, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bowdle?
The median monthly rent in Bowdle, SD is $693, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bowdle?
The unemployment rate in Bowdle, 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 Bowdle, SD a good place to live?
Bowdle offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 442 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bowdle, SD?
24.9% of residents in Bowdle 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 Bowdle?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bowdle, SD: median home value is $95,600 (61% below national), median rent is $693/month, and median household income is $55,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bowdle?
The poverty rate in Bowdle, SD is 15.3%, 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 Bowdle, SD?
Bowdle's population is 1.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 7.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.