Hartford, SD
Population 3,412 · South Dakota
About Hartford, SD
Hartford is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 3,412 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $95,426 per year, which is 27% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hartford features a median home value of $223,400, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Hartford in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $937, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,437 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (1,023 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (359 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hartford shows an unemployment rate of 1.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hartford have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
30.9% of Hartford 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 1.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hartford Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Hartford, SD
Compared to national averages, Hartford has a median household income of $95,426 (27% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $223,400, which is 9% below the national median. Monthly rent at $937 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Hartford's income is 48% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 55% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Hartford, SD?
Hartford offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $95,426, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $223,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $937/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%, and a low poverty rate of 6.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Hartford has a population of 3,412 with a median age of 39.5 years. Compare Hartford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Hartford
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Springs | 3,506 | $49,688 | $168,200 | Compare |
| Milbank | 3,513 | $58,462 | $161,300 | Compare |
| Canton | 3,060 | $65,500 | $191,000 | Compare |
| North Sioux City | 3,018 | $76,481 | $234,500 | Compare |
| Lead | 2,997 | $57,348 | $192,800 | Compare |
| Summerset | 2,978 | $115,197 | $337,900 | Compare |
| Mobridge | 2,928 | $61,556 | $122,000 | Compare |
| Winner | 2,900 | $47,132 | $124,000 | 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 Hartford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hartford
What is the population of Hartford, SD?
The population of Hartford, SD is 3,412 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 Hartford?
The median household income in Hartford, SD is $95,426 per year, which is 27% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hartford?
The median home value in Hartford, SD is $223,400, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hartford?
The median monthly rent in Hartford, SD is $937, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hartford?
The unemployment rate in Hartford, SD is 1.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Hartford, SD a good place to live?
Hartford offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,412 and a median age of 39.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hartford, SD?
30.9% of residents in Hartford 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 Hartford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hartford, SD: median home value is $223,400 (9% below national), median rent is $937/month, and median household income is $95,426. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hartford?
The poverty rate in Hartford, SD is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hartford, SD?
Hartford's population is 1.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.