Fort Thompson, SD
Population 1,134 · South Dakota
About Fort Thompson, SD
Fort Thompson is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 1,134 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,313 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.6 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 Fort Thompson features a median home value of $110,300, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fort Thompson one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $515, 56% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 376 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (143 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (183 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Thompson shows an unemployment rate of 12.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 40.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Thompson have an average one-way commute time of 11.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
4.3% of Fort Thompson 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 1.8% White, 96.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fort Thompson Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Fort Thompson, SD
Compared to national averages, Fort Thompson has a median household income of $45,313 (40% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $110,300, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $515 is 56% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Fort Thompson's income is 30% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 23% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Fort Thompson, SD?
Fort Thompson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $110,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $515/month, and short commute times averaging just 11.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,313) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Thompson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Thompson has a population of 1,134 with a median age of 29.6 years. Compare Fort Thompson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Fort Thompson
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland Heights | 1,142 | $61,538 | $202,700 | Compare |
| Ipswich | 1,126 | $79,135 | $165,600 | Compare |
| Britton | 1,117 | $70,156 | $110,100 | Compare |
| Garretson | 1,166 | $66,375 | $197,400 | Compare |
| Clark | 1,181 | $49,464 | $125,700 | Compare |
| Worthing | 1,087 | $91,250 | $214,000 | Compare |
| Salem | 1,201 | $71,655 | $163,500 | Compare |
| Tyndall | 1,206 | $51,719 | $94,200 | 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 Fort Thompson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Thompson
What is the population of Fort Thompson, SD?
The population of Fort Thompson, SD is 1,134 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 Fort Thompson?
The median household income in Fort Thompson, SD is $45,313 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Thompson?
The median home value in Fort Thompson, SD is $110,300, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fort Thompson?
The median monthly rent in Fort Thompson, SD is $515, which is 56% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Thompson?
The unemployment rate in Fort Thompson, SD is 12.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Thompson, SD a good place to live?
Fort Thompson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,134 and a median age of 29.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fort Thompson, SD?
4.3% of residents in Fort Thompson 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 Fort Thompson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Thompson, SD: median home value is $110,300 (55% below national), median rent is $515/month, and median household income is $45,313. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Thompson?
The poverty rate in Fort Thompson, SD is 40.5%, 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 Fort Thompson, SD?
Fort Thompson's population is 1.8% White, 96.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.