Bridgewater, SD
Population 456 · South Dakota
About Bridgewater, SD
Bridgewater is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 456 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,500 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 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 Bridgewater features a median home value of $86,900, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bridgewater one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $719, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 232 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (167 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (47 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bridgewater shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bridgewater have an average one-way commute time of 26.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.3% of Bridgewater 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, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.4% Asian residents, with 4.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bridgewater, SD
Compared to national averages, Bridgewater has a median household income of $38,500 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $86,900, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $719 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Bridgewater's income is 40% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 40% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Bridgewater, SD?
Bridgewater offers affordable housing with a median home value of $86,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $719/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,500) that falls below the national average. However, Bridgewater’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bridgewater has a population of 456 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Bridgewater with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bridgewater
What is the population of Bridgewater, SD?
The population of Bridgewater, SD is 456 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 Bridgewater?
The median household income in Bridgewater, SD is $38,500 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bridgewater?
The median home value in Bridgewater, SD is $86,900, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bridgewater?
The median monthly rent in Bridgewater, SD is $719, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bridgewater?
The unemployment rate in Bridgewater, SD is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bridgewater, SD a good place to live?
Bridgewater offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 456 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bridgewater, SD?
16.3% of residents in Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bridgewater, SD: median home value is $86,900 (65% below national), median rent is $719/month, and median household income is $38,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bridgewater?
The poverty rate in Bridgewater, SD is 11.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bridgewater, SD?
Bridgewater's population is 0.0% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.2% of residents are foreign-born.