Lake Norden, SD
Population 769 · South Dakota
About Lake Norden, SD
Lake Norden is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 769 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,923 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 24.6 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 Lake Norden features a median home value of $201,400, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lake Norden in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $956, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 272 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (168 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (88 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lake Norden 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 4.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lake Norden have an average one-way commute time of 21.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.5% of Lake Norden 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, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 17.9% Asian residents, with 12.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lake Norden Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Lake Norden, SD
Compared to national averages, Lake Norden has a median household income of $71,923 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $201,400, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $956 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Lake Norden's income is 11% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 40% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Lake Norden, SD?
Lake Norden offers affordable housing with a median home value of $201,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $956/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,923) that falls below the national average. However, Lake Norden’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lake Norden has a population of 769 with a median age of 24.6 years. Compare Lake Norden with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Lake Norden
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant | 761 | $60,592 | $136,700 | Compare |
| Lower Brule | 777 | $31,667 | $22,500 | Compare |
| Castlewood | 756 | $87,768 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Wonderland Homes | 782 | $88,500 | $250,700 | Compare |
| Woonsocket | 753 | $52,283 | $94,200 | Compare |
| Wessington Springs | 747 | $46,750 | $96,000 | Compare |
| Whitewood | 746 | $67,250 | $214,200 | Compare |
| Wanblee | 744 | $0 | $0 | 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 Lake Norden With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Norden
What is the population of Lake Norden, SD?
The population of Lake Norden, SD is 769 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 Lake Norden?
The median household income in Lake Norden, SD is $71,923 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lake Norden?
The median home value in Lake Norden, SD is $201,400, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lake Norden?
The median monthly rent in Lake Norden, SD is $956, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake Norden?
The unemployment rate in Lake Norden, 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 Lake Norden, SD a good place to live?
Lake Norden offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 769 and a median age of 24.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lake Norden, SD?
20.5% of residents in Lake Norden 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 Lake Norden?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lake Norden, SD: median home value is $201,400 (18% below national), median rent is $956/month, and median household income is $71,923. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Norden?
The poverty rate in Lake Norden, SD is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lake Norden, SD?
Lake Norden's population is 0.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 17.9% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 12.5% of residents are foreign-born.