Emery, SD
Population 475 · South Dakota
About Emery, SD
Emery is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 475 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,679 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Emery features a median home value of $125,000, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Emery one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $619, 47% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 196 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (166 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (19 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Emery shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Emery have an average one-way commute time of 26.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.1% of Emery 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 0.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Emery Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Emery, SD
Compared to national averages, Emery has a median household income of $62,679 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $125,000, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $619 is 47% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Emery's income is 3% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 13% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Emery, SD?
Emery offers affordable housing with a median home value of $125,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $619/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,679) that falls below the national average. However, Emery’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Emery has a population of 475 with a median age of 37.8 years. Compare Emery with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Emery
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kimball | 469 | $60,208 | $118,800 | Compare |
| West Brule | 482 | $34,167 | $0 | Compare |
| Dupree | 483 | $48,036 | $69,400 | Compare |
| Wounded Knee | 484 | $2,499 | $0 | Compare |
| Boulder Canyon | 487 | $71,846 | $510,400 | Compare |
| Philip | 491 | $43,750 | $102,800 | Compare |
| Bridgewater | 456 | $38,500 | $86,900 | Compare |
| Newell | 494 | $52,277 | $120,100 | 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 Emery With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Emery
What is the population of Emery, SD?
The population of Emery, SD is 475 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in South Dakota.
What is the median household income in Emery?
The median household income in Emery, SD is $62,679 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Emery?
The median home value in Emery, SD is $125,000, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Emery?
The median monthly rent in Emery, SD is $619, which is 47% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Emery?
The unemployment rate in Emery, SD is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Emery, SD a good place to live?
Emery offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 475 and a median age of 37.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Emery, SD?
26.1% of residents in Emery 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 Emery?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Emery, SD: median home value is $125,000 (49% below national), median rent is $619/month, and median household income is $62,679. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Emery?
The poverty rate in Emery, SD is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Emery, SD?
Emery's population is 0.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.