Central City, SD
Population 122 · South Dakota
About Central City, SD
Central City is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 122 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,208 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 55.8 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 Central City features a median home value of $187,500, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Central City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 80 total housing units, 96% are owner-occupied (64 units) and 4% are renter-occupied (3 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Central City shows an unemployment rate of 27.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 5.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Central City have an average one-way commute time of 12.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.7% of Central City 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, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Central City, SD
Compared to national averages, Central City has a median household income of $45,208 (40% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $187,500, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Central City's income is 30% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 30% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Central City, SD?
Central City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $187,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a low poverty rate of 5.7%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 12.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,208) that falls below the national average. However, Central City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Central City has a population of 122 with a median age of 55.8 years. Compare Central City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
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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 Central City
What is the population of Central City, SD?
The population of Central City, SD is 122 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 Central City?
The median household income in Central City, SD is $45,208 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Central City?
The median home value in Central City, SD is $187,500, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Central City?
The median monthly rent in Central City, SD is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Central City?
The unemployment rate in Central City, SD is 27.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Central City, SD a good place to live?
Central City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 122 and a median age of 55.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Central City, SD?
9.7% of residents in Central City 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 Central City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Central City, SD: median home value is $187,500 (23% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $45,208. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Central City?
The poverty rate in Central City, SD is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Central City, SD?
Central City's population is 0.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.