Box Elder, SD
Population 12,457 · South Dakota
About Box Elder, SD
Box Elder is a mid-sized city located in South Dakota with a population of 12,457 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,698 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Box Elder features a median home value of $271,800, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Box Elder in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,354, 16% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,781 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (2,098 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (2,213 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Box Elder shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Box Elder have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.8% of Box Elder 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 7.4% White, 11.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 2.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Box Elder Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Box Elder, SD
Compared to national averages, Box Elder has a median household income of $73,698 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $271,800, which is 11% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,354 is 16% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Box Elder's income is 14% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 89% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Box Elder, SD?
Box Elder offers a low poverty rate of 7.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,698) that falls below the national average. However, Box Elder’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Box Elder has a population of 12,457 with a median age of 28.6 years. Compare Box Elder with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Box Elder
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spearfish | 12,551 | $59,731 | $309,200 | Compare |
| Vermillion | 11,800 | $52,815 | $210,200 | Compare |
| Brandon | 10,996 | $104,806 | $317,300 | Compare |
| Pierre | 14,008 | $74,053 | $219,500 | Compare |
| Huron | 14,347 | $51,556 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Yankton | 15,501 | $69,071 | $202,300 | Compare |
| Mitchell | 15,637 | $56,374 | $182,000 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 7,790 | $101,534 | $281,400 | 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 Box Elder With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Box Elder
What is the population of Box Elder, SD?
The population of Box Elder, SD is 12,457 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in South Dakota.
What is the median household income in Box Elder?
The median household income in Box Elder, SD is $73,698 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Box Elder?
The median home value in Box Elder, SD is $271,800, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Box Elder?
The median monthly rent in Box Elder, SD is $1,354, which is 16% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Box Elder?
The unemployment rate in Box Elder, SD is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Box Elder, SD a good place to live?
Box Elder offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,457 and a median age of 28.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Box Elder, SD?
29.8% of residents in Box Elder 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 Box Elder?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Box Elder, SD: median home value is $271,800 (11% above national), median rent is $1,354/month, and median household income is $73,698. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Box Elder?
The poverty rate in Box Elder, SD is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Box Elder, SD?
Box Elder's population is 7.4% White, 11.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 2.9% of residents are foreign-born.