Box Elder, SD
Population 12,457 · South Dakota
About Box Elder, SD
Box Elder is a mid-sized city in South Dakota with a population of 12,457 residents. The median household income is $73,698 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Box Elder is 28.6 years.
Housing in Box Elder has a median home value of $271,800 and median monthly rent of $1,354. Of the 4,781 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 2,098 owner-occupied and 2,213 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Box Elder is 3.7% and the poverty rate is 7.4%. 29.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 19.6 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Box Elder?
The median household income in Box Elder, SD is $73,698 per year.
What is the median home value in Box Elder?
The median home value in Box Elder, SD is $271,800.
What is the average rent in Box Elder?
The median monthly rent in Box Elder, SD is $1,354.
What is the unemployment rate in Box Elder?
The unemployment rate in Box Elder, SD is 3.7%.