Dell Rapids, SD
Population 3,947 · South Dakota
About Dell Rapids, SD
Dell Rapids is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 3,947 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $101,250 per year, which is 35% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dell Rapids features a median home value of $284,400, which is 16% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Dell Rapids in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $919, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,663 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (1,286 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (299 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dell Rapids shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Dell Rapids have an average one-way commute time of 25.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.2% of Dell Rapids 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 3.9% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Dell Rapids Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Dell Rapids, SD
Compared to national averages, Dell Rapids has a median household income of $101,250 (35% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $284,400, which is 16% above the national median. Monthly rent at $919 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Dell Rapids's income is 57% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 98% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Dell Rapids, SD?
Dell Rapids offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $101,250, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $919/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 36.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.2%, better than the national average.
Dell Rapids has a population of 3,947 with a median age of 39.7 years. Compare Dell Rapids with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Dell Rapids
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota Dunes | 4,129 | $123,438 | $495,000 | 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 Dell Rapids With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dell Rapids
What is the population of Dell Rapids, SD?
The population of Dell Rapids, SD is 3,947 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 Dell Rapids?
The median household income in Dell Rapids, SD is $101,250 per year, which is 35% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dell Rapids?
The median home value in Dell Rapids, SD is $284,400, which is 16% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dell Rapids?
The median monthly rent in Dell Rapids, SD is $919, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dell Rapids?
The unemployment rate in Dell Rapids, SD is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Dell Rapids, SD a good place to live?
Dell Rapids offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,947 and a median age of 39.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dell Rapids, SD?
36.2% of residents in Dell Rapids 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 Dell Rapids?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dell Rapids, SD: median home value is $284,400 (16% above national), median rent is $919/month, and median household income is $101,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dell Rapids?
The poverty rate in Dell Rapids, SD is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Dell Rapids, SD?
Dell Rapids's population is 3.9% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.