Buffalo Gap, SD
Population 140 · South Dakota
About Buffalo Gap, SD
Buffalo Gap is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 140 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,268 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 64 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 Buffalo Gap features a median home value of $67,500, which is 72% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Buffalo Gap one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 104 total housing units, 95% are owner-occupied (83 units) and 5% are renter-occupied (4 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Buffalo Gap shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Buffalo Gap have an average one-way commute time of 36 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
20.0% of Buffalo Gap 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, 12.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Buffalo Gap, SD
Compared to national averages, Buffalo Gap has a median household income of $55,268 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $67,500, which is 72% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Buffalo Gap's income is 15% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 53% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Buffalo Gap, SD?
Buffalo Gap offers affordable housing with a median home value of $67,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,268) that falls below the national average. However, Buffalo Gap’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Buffalo Gap has a population of 140 with a median age of 64 years. Compare Buffalo Gap 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 Buffalo Gap
What is the population of Buffalo Gap, SD?
The population of Buffalo Gap, SD is 140 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 Buffalo Gap?
The median household income in Buffalo Gap, SD is $55,268 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Buffalo Gap?
The median home value in Buffalo Gap, SD is $67,500, which is 72% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Buffalo Gap?
The median monthly rent in Buffalo Gap, SD is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Buffalo Gap?
The unemployment rate in Buffalo Gap, SD is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Buffalo Gap, SD a good place to live?
Buffalo Gap offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 140 and a median age of 64, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Buffalo Gap, SD?
20.0% of residents in Buffalo Gap 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 Buffalo Gap?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Buffalo Gap, SD: median home value is $67,500 (72% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $55,268. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Buffalo Gap?
The poverty rate in Buffalo Gap, SD is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Buffalo Gap, SD?
Buffalo Gap's population is 0.0% White, 12.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.