Groton, SD
Population 1,794 · South Dakota
About Groton, SD
Groton is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 1,794 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $82,083 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34 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 Groton features a median home value of $173,000, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Groton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $954, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 735 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (522 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (162 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Groton shows an unemployment rate of 0.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Groton have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
31.2% of Groton 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 5.3% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Groton Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Groton, SD
Compared to national averages, Groton has a median household income of $82,083 (9% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $173,000, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $954 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Groton's income is 27% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 20% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Groton, SD?
Groton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $82,083, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $173,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $954/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.7%, and a low poverty rate of 3.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Groton has a population of 1,794 with a median age of 34 years. Compare Groton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Groton
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Webster | 1,823 | $55,074 | $122,200 | Compare |
| Rosebud | 1,710 | $55,066 | $57,000 | Compare |
| Parkston | 1,981 | $71,313 | $145,500 | Compare |
| Oglala | 1,601 | $43,274 | $42,200 | Compare |
| Freeman | 1,558 | $60,114 | $171,300 | Compare |
| Wagner | 1,555 | $47,137 | $129,200 | Compare |
| Springfield | 2,073 | $59,063 | $126,800 | Compare |
| Baltic | 1,512 | $105,132 | $240,200 | 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 Groton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Groton
What is the population of Groton, SD?
The population of Groton, SD is 1,794 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 Groton?
The median household income in Groton, SD is $82,083 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Groton?
The median home value in Groton, SD is $173,000, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Groton?
The median monthly rent in Groton, SD is $954, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Groton?
The unemployment rate in Groton, SD is 0.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Groton, SD a good place to live?
Groton offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,794 and a median age of 34, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Groton, SD?
31.2% of residents in Groton 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 Groton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Groton, SD: median home value is $173,000 (29% below national), median rent is $954/month, and median household income is $82,083. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Groton?
The poverty rate in Groton, SD is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Groton, SD?
Groton's population is 5.3% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.