Chamberlain, SD
Population 2,621 · South Dakota
About Chamberlain, SD
Chamberlain is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 2,621 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $75,000 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chamberlain features a median home value of $195,300, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Chamberlain in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $682, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,056 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (537 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (337 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chamberlain shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chamberlain have an average one-way commute time of 11.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
36.6% of Chamberlain 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 1.6% White, 24.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chamberlain Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Chamberlain, SD
Compared to national averages, Chamberlain has a median household income of $75,000 (0% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $195,300, which is 20% below the national median. Monthly rent at $682 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Chamberlain's income is 16% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 36% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Chamberlain, SD?
Chamberlain offers affordable housing with a median home value of $195,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $682/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 36.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 11.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($75,000) that falls below the national average. However, Chamberlain’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chamberlain has a population of 2,621 with a median age of 39.5 years. Compare Chamberlain with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Chamberlain
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sisseton | 2,593 | $44,477 | $111,900 | Compare |
| Lennox | 2,587 | $76,477 | $210,800 | Compare |
| Fort Pierre | 2,534 | $74,732 | $166,700 | Compare |
| Pine Ridge | 2,480 | $50,954 | $45,000 | Compare |
| Beresford | 2,437 | $71,017 | $219,800 | Compare |
| Blackhawk | 2,805 | $69,934 | $243,700 | Compare |
| Elk Point | 2,391 | $83,250 | $228,400 | Compare |
| Colonial Pine Hills | 2,347 | $82,262 | $348,400 | 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 Chamberlain With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chamberlain
What is the population of Chamberlain, SD?
The population of Chamberlain, SD is 2,621 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in South Dakota.
What is the median household income in Chamberlain?
The median household income in Chamberlain, SD is $75,000 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chamberlain?
The median home value in Chamberlain, SD is $195,300, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chamberlain?
The median monthly rent in Chamberlain, SD is $682, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chamberlain?
The unemployment rate in Chamberlain, SD is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chamberlain, SD a good place to live?
Chamberlain offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,621 and a median age of 39.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chamberlain, SD?
36.6% of residents in Chamberlain aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Chamberlain?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chamberlain, SD: median home value is $195,300 (20% below national), median rent is $682/month, and median household income is $75,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chamberlain?
The poverty rate in Chamberlain, SD is 9.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chamberlain, SD?
Chamberlain's population is 1.6% White, 24.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.