Kenel, SD
Population 124 · South Dakota
About Kenel, SD
Kenel is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 124 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 47.8 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 Kenel features a median home value of $83,800, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Kenel one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $444, 62% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 54 total housing units, 37% are owner-occupied (19 units) and 63% are renter-occupied (32 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 Kenel shows an unemployment rate of 28.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kenel have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.3% of Kenel 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, 91.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kenel Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Kenel, SD
Compared to national averages, Kenel has a median household income of $49,688 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $83,800, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $444 is 62% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Kenel's income is 23% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 42% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Kenel, SD?
Kenel offers affordable housing with a median home value of $83,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $444/month, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,688) that falls below the national average. However, Kenel’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kenel has a population of 124 with a median age of 47.8 years. Compare Kenel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
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Demographics
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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 Kenel
What is the population of Kenel, SD?
The population of Kenel, SD is 124 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 Kenel?
The median household income in Kenel, SD is $49,688 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kenel?
The median home value in Kenel, SD is $83,800, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Kenel?
The median monthly rent in Kenel, SD is $444, which is 62% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kenel?
The unemployment rate in Kenel, SD is 28.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kenel, SD a good place to live?
Kenel offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 124 and a median age of 47.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Kenel, SD?
20.3% of residents in Kenel 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 Kenel?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kenel, SD: median home value is $83,800 (66% below national), median rent is $444/month, and median household income is $49,688. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kenel?
The poverty rate in Kenel, SD is 14.5%, 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 Kenel, SD?
Kenel's population is 0.0% White, 91.1% 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.