Freeman, SD
Population 1,558 · South Dakota
About Freeman, SD
Freeman is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 1,558 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,114 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Freeman features a median home value of $171,300, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Freeman in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $741, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 617 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (430 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (139 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Freeman shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Freeman have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.5% of Freeman 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 5.3% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Freeman, SD
Compared to national averages, Freeman has a median household income of $60,114 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $171,300, which is 30% below the national median. Monthly rent at $741 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Freeman's income is 7% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 19% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Freeman, SD?
Freeman offers affordable housing with a median home value of $171,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $741/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,114) that falls below the national average. However, Freeman’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Freeman has a population of 1,558 with a median age of 41.2 years. Compare Freeman with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Freeman
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wagner | 1,555 | $47,137 | $129,200 | Compare |
| Oglala | 1,601 | $43,274 | $42,200 | Compare |
| Baltic | 1,512 | $105,132 | $240,200 | Compare |
| Green Valley | 1,503 | $78,801 | $232,100 | Compare |
| Kyle | 1,495 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Eagle Butte | 1,492 | $53,558 | $51,500 | Compare |
| North Eagle Butte | 1,432 | $38,125 | $37,500 | Compare |
| Aurora | 1,407 | $90,612 | $219,100 | 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 Freeman With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Freeman
What is the population of Freeman, SD?
The population of Freeman, SD is 1,558 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 Freeman?
The median household income in Freeman, SD is $60,114 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Freeman?
The median home value in Freeman, SD is $171,300, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Freeman?
The median monthly rent in Freeman, SD is $741, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Freeman?
The unemployment rate in Freeman, SD is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Freeman, SD a good place to live?
Freeman offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,558 and a median age of 41.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Freeman, SD?
19.5% of residents in Freeman 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 Freeman?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Freeman, SD: median home value is $171,300 (30% below national), median rent is $741/month, and median household income is $60,114. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Freeman?
The poverty rate in Freeman, SD is 17.9%, 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 Freeman, SD?
Freeman's population is 5.3% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.