Ideal, SD
Population 39 · South Dakota
About Ideal, SD
Ideal is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 39 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.9 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 Ideal features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ideal one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 25 total housing units, 39% are owner-occupied (7 units) and 61% are renter-occupied (11 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ideal shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 33.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ideal have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of Ideal 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 0.0% White, 100.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ideal, SD
Compared to national averages, Ideal has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Ideal's income is 100% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 100% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Ideal, SD?
Ideal offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Ideal’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ideal has a population of 39 with a median age of 21.9 years. Compare Ideal with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Ideal
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vivian | 39 | $58,000 | $0 | Compare |
| Forestburg | 40 | $62,500 | $0 | Compare |
| New Elm Spring Colony | 40 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Spring Lake Colony | 38 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Oak Lane Colony | 37 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Okaton | 41 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Andover | 36 | $0 | $49,200 | Compare |
| Dolton | 42 | $62,321 | $154,800 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ideal
What is the population of Ideal, SD?
The population of Ideal, SD is 39 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in South Dakota.
What is the median household income in Ideal?
The median household income in Ideal, SD is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ideal?
The median home value in Ideal, SD is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Ideal?
The median monthly rent in Ideal, SD is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ideal?
The unemployment rate in Ideal, SD is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ideal, SD a good place to live?
Ideal offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 39 and a median age of 21.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ideal, SD?
0.0% of residents in Ideal 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 Ideal?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ideal, SD: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is NaNx, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ideal?
The poverty rate in Ideal, SD is 33.3%, 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 Ideal, SD?
Ideal's population is 0.0% White, 100.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.