Hot Springs, SD
Population 3,506 · South Dakota
About Hot Springs, SD
Hot Springs is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 3,506 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,688 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 59.3 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 Hot Springs features a median home value of $168,200, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Hot Springs in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $854, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,031 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (1,232 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (659 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hot Springs shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 27.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hot Springs have an average one-way commute time of 17.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.2% of Hot Springs 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 1.1% White, 14.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hot Springs Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Hot Springs, SD
Compared to national averages, Hot Springs has a median household income of $49,688 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $168,200, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $854 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Hot Springs's income is 23% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 17% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Hot Springs, SD?
Hot Springs offers affordable housing with a median home value of $168,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $854/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,688) that falls below the national average. However, Hot Springs’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hot Springs has a population of 3,506 with a median age of 59.3 years. Compare Hot Springs with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Hot Springs
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milbank | 3,513 | $58,462 | $161,300 | Compare |
| Hartford | 3,412 | $95,426 | $223,400 | Compare |
| Dell Rapids | 3,947 | $101,250 | $284,400 | 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 |
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 Hot Springs With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hot Springs
What is the population of Hot Springs, SD?
The population of Hot Springs, SD is 3,506 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 Hot Springs?
The median household income in Hot Springs, SD is $49,688 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hot Springs?
The median home value in Hot Springs, SD is $168,200, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hot Springs?
The median monthly rent in Hot Springs, SD is $854, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hot Springs?
The unemployment rate in Hot Springs, SD is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Hot Springs, SD a good place to live?
Hot Springs offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,506 and a median age of 59.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Hot Springs, SD?
18.2% of residents in Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hot Springs, SD: median home value is $168,200 (31% below national), median rent is $854/month, and median household income is $49,688. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hot Springs?
The poverty rate in Hot Springs, SD is 27.9%, 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 Hot Springs, SD?
Hot Springs's population is 1.1% White, 14.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.