Dakota Dunes, SD
Population 4,129 · South Dakota
About Dakota Dunes, SD
Dakota Dunes is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 4,129 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $123,438 per year, which is 64% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.1 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 Dakota Dunes features a median home value of $495,000, which is 102% above the national median of $244,900. This places Dakota Dunes in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,211, 4% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,547 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (1,011 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (510 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dakota Dunes shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 4.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Dakota Dunes have an average one-way commute time of 12.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
60.8% of Dakota Dunes residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 5.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Dakota Dunes Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Dakota Dunes, SD
Compared to national averages, Dakota Dunes has a median household income of $123,438 (64% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $495,000, which is 102% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,211 is 4% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Dakota Dunes's income is 91% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 244% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Dakota Dunes, SD?
Dakota Dunes offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $123,438, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 60.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.8%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 12.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $495,000. However, Dakota Dunes’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dakota Dunes has a population of 4,129 with a median age of 42.1 years. Compare Dakota Dunes with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Dakota Dunes
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell Rapids | 3,947 | $101,250 | $284,400 | Compare |
| Milbank | 3,513 | $58,462 | $161,300 | Compare |
| Hot Springs | 3,506 | $49,688 | $168,200 | Compare |
| Hartford | 3,412 | $95,426 | $223,400 | Compare |
| Canton | 3,060 | $65,500 | $191,000 | Compare |
| North Sioux City | 3,018 | $76,481 | $234,500 | Compare |
| Lead | 2,997 | $57,348 | $192,800 | Compare |
| Summerset | 2,978 | $115,197 | $337,900 | 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 Dakota Dunes With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dakota Dunes
What is the population of Dakota Dunes, SD?
The population of Dakota Dunes, SD is 4,129 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 Dakota Dunes?
The median household income in Dakota Dunes, SD is $123,438 per year, which is 64% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dakota Dunes?
The median home value in Dakota Dunes, SD is $495,000, which is 102% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dakota Dunes?
The median monthly rent in Dakota Dunes, SD is $1,211, which is 4% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dakota Dunes?
The unemployment rate in Dakota Dunes, SD is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dakota Dunes, SD a good place to live?
Dakota Dunes offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,129 and a median age of 42.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dakota Dunes, SD?
60.8% of residents in Dakota Dunes 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 Dakota Dunes?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dakota Dunes, SD: median home value is $495,000 (102% above national), median rent is $1,211/month, and median household income is $123,438. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Dakota Dunes?
The poverty rate in Dakota Dunes, SD is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Dakota Dunes, SD?
Dakota Dunes's population is 5.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.