Clark, SD
Population 1,181 · South Dakota
About Clark, SD
Clark is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 1,181 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,464 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 55.1 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 Clark features a median home value of $125,700, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Clark one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $738, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 574 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (392 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (103 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clark shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Clark have an average one-way commute time of 17.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
12.7% of Clark 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 7.8% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 3.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Clark, SD
Compared to national averages, Clark has a median household income of $49,464 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $125,700, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $738 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Clark's income is 23% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 13% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Clark, SD?
Clark offers affordable housing with a median home value of $125,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $738/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.5%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,464) that falls below the national average. However, Clark’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clark has a population of 1,181 with a median age of 55.1 years. Compare Clark with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Clark
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garretson | 1,166 | $66,375 | $197,400 | Compare |
| Salem | 1,201 | $71,655 | $163,500 | Compare |
| Tyndall | 1,206 | $51,719 | $94,200 | Compare |
| Lemmon | 1,214 | $42,461 | $79,700 | Compare |
| Crooks | 1,216 | $104,479 | $270,500 | Compare |
| Ashland Heights | 1,142 | $61,538 | $202,700 | Compare |
| Fort Thompson | 1,134 | $45,313 | $110,300 | Compare |
| Ipswich | 1,126 | $79,135 | $165,600 | 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 Clark With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clark
What is the population of Clark, SD?
The population of Clark, SD is 1,181 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 Clark?
The median household income in Clark, SD is $49,464 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clark?
The median home value in Clark, SD is $125,700, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Clark?
The median monthly rent in Clark, SD is $738, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clark?
The unemployment rate in Clark, SD is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clark, SD a good place to live?
Clark offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,181 and a median age of 55.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Clark, SD?
12.7% of residents in Clark 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 Clark?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clark, SD: median home value is $125,700 (49% below national), median rent is $738/month, and median household income is $49,464. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clark?
The poverty rate in Clark, SD is 11.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Clark, SD?
Clark's population is 7.8% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.6% of residents are foreign-born.