Lead, SD
Population 2,997 · South Dakota
About Lead, SD
Lead is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 2,997 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,348 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.1 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 Lead features a median home value of $192,800, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lead in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $844, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,795 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (1,021 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (433 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lead 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 7.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lead have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.8% of Lead 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 0.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lead Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Lead, SD
Compared to national averages, Lead has a median household income of $57,348 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $192,800, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $844 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Lead's income is 11% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 34% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Lead, SD?
Lead offers affordable housing with a median home value of $192,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $844/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,348) that falls below the national average. However, Lead’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lead has a population of 2,997 with a median age of 52.1 years. Compare Lead with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Lead
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summerset | 2,978 | $115,197 | $337,900 | Compare |
| North Sioux City | 3,018 | $76,481 | $234,500 | Compare |
| Canton | 3,060 | $65,500 | $191,000 | Compare |
| Mobridge | 2,928 | $61,556 | $122,000 | Compare |
| Winner | 2,900 | $47,132 | $124,000 | Compare |
| Blackhawk | 2,805 | $69,934 | $243,700 | Compare |
| Chamberlain | 2,621 | $75,000 | $195,300 | Compare |
| Sisseton | 2,593 | $44,477 | $111,900 | 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 Lead With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lead
What is the population of Lead, SD?
The population of Lead, SD is 2,997 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 Lead?
The median household income in Lead, SD is $57,348 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lead?
The median home value in Lead, SD is $192,800, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lead?
The median monthly rent in Lead, SD is $844, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lead?
The unemployment rate in Lead, 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 Lead, SD a good place to live?
Lead offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,997 and a median age of 52.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Lead, SD?
19.8% of residents in Lead 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 Lead?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lead, SD: median home value is $192,800 (21% below national), median rent is $844/month, and median household income is $57,348. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lead?
The poverty rate in Lead, SD is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lead, SD?
Lead's population is 0.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.