Garretson, SD
Population 1,166 · South Dakota
About Garretson, SD
Garretson is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 1,166 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,375 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Garretson features a median home value of $197,400, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Garretson in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $704, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 585 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (369 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (181 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Garretson shows an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 3.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Garretson have an average one-way commute time of 24.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.6% of Garretson 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 0.1% White, 12.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Garretson, SD
Compared to national averages, Garretson has a median household income of $66,375 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $197,400, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $704 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Garretson's income is 3% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 37% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Garretson, SD?
Garretson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $197,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $704/month, and a low poverty rate of 3.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,375) that falls below the national average. However, Garretson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Garretson has a population of 1,166 with a median age of 47.9 years. Compare Garretson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Garretson
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clark | 1,181 | $49,464 | $125,700 | Compare |
| Ashland Heights | 1,142 | $61,538 | $202,700 | Compare |
| Fort Thompson | 1,134 | $45,313 | $110,300 | Compare |
| Salem | 1,201 | $71,655 | $163,500 | Compare |
| Ipswich | 1,126 | $79,135 | $165,600 | Compare |
| Tyndall | 1,206 | $51,719 | $94,200 | Compare |
| Lemmon | 1,214 | $42,461 | $79,700 | Compare |
| Britton | 1,117 | $70,156 | $110,100 | 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 Garretson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Garretson
What is the population of Garretson, SD?
The population of Garretson, SD is 1,166 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 Garretson?
The median household income in Garretson, SD is $66,375 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Garretson?
The median home value in Garretson, SD is $197,400, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Garretson?
The median monthly rent in Garretson, SD is $704, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Garretson?
The unemployment rate in Garretson, SD is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Garretson, SD a good place to live?
Garretson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,166 and a median age of 47.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Garretson, SD?
24.6% of residents in Garretson 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 Garretson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Garretson, SD: median home value is $197,400 (19% below national), median rent is $704/month, and median household income is $66,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Garretson?
The poverty rate in Garretson, SD is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Garretson, SD?
Garretson's population is 0.1% White, 12.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.