Lead, SD
Population 2,997 · South Dakota
About Lead, SD
Lead is a small community in South Dakota with a population of 2,997 residents. The median household income is $57,348 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Lead is 52.1 years.
Housing in Lead has a median home value of $192,800 and median monthly rent of $844. Of the 1,795 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,021 owner-occupied and 433 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Lead is 0.0% and the poverty rate is 7.3%. 19.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.9 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lead
What is the population of Lead, SD?
The population of Lead, SD is 2,997 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Lead?
The median household income in Lead, SD is $57,348 per year.
What is the median home value in Lead?
The median home value in Lead, SD is $192,800.
What is the average rent in Lead?
The median monthly rent in Lead, SD is $844.
What is the unemployment rate in Lead?
The unemployment rate in Lead, SD is 0.0%.