Eagle Butte, SD
Population 1,492 · South Dakota
About Eagle Butte, SD
Eagle Butte is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 1,492 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,558 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Eagle Butte features a median home value of $51,500, which is 79% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Eagle Butte one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $628, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 501 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (243 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (184 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Eagle Butte shows an unemployment rate of 27.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Eagle Butte have an average one-way commute time of 9.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.3% of Eagle Butte 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 3.9% White, 91.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Eagle Butte Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Eagle Butte, SD
Compared to national averages, Eagle Butte has a median household income of $53,558 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $51,500, which is 79% below the national median. Monthly rent at $628 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Eagle Butte's income is 17% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 64% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Eagle Butte, SD?
Eagle Butte offers affordable housing with a median home value of $51,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $628/month, and short commute times averaging just 9.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,558) that falls below the national average. However, Eagle Butte’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Eagle Butte has a population of 1,492 with a median age of 27.8 years. Compare Eagle Butte with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Eagle Butte
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle | 1,495 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Green Valley | 1,503 | $78,801 | $232,100 | Compare |
| Baltic | 1,512 | $105,132 | $240,200 | Compare |
| North Eagle Butte | 1,432 | $38,125 | $37,500 | Compare |
| Wagner | 1,555 | $47,137 | $129,200 | Compare |
| Freeman | 1,558 | $60,114 | $171,300 | Compare |
| Aurora | 1,407 | $90,612 | $219,100 | Compare |
| Oglala | 1,601 | $43,274 | $42,200 | 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 Eagle Butte With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Eagle Butte
What is the population of Eagle Butte, SD?
The population of Eagle Butte, SD is 1,492 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 Eagle Butte?
The median household income in Eagle Butte, SD is $53,558 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Eagle Butte?
The median home value in Eagle Butte, SD is $51,500, which is 79% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Eagle Butte?
The median monthly rent in Eagle Butte, SD is $628, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Eagle Butte?
The unemployment rate in Eagle Butte, SD is 27.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Eagle Butte, SD a good place to live?
Eagle Butte offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,492 and a median age of 27.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Eagle Butte, SD?
13.3% of residents in Eagle Butte 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 Eagle Butte?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Eagle Butte, SD: median home value is $51,500 (79% below national), median rent is $628/month, and median household income is $53,558. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Eagle Butte?
The poverty rate in Eagle Butte, SD is 31.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Eagle Butte, SD?
Eagle Butte's population is 3.9% White, 91.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.