Lemmon, SD
Population 1,214 · South Dakota
About Lemmon, SD
Lemmon is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 1,214 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,461 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.7 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 Lemmon features a median home value of $79,700, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lemmon one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $631, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 688 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (402 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (109 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lemmon shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 19.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lemmon have an average one-way commute time of 10.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.2% of Lemmon 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 0.9% White, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lemmon, SD
Compared to national averages, Lemmon has a median household income of $42,461 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $79,700, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $631 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Lemmon's income is 34% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 45% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Lemmon, SD?
Lemmon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $79,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $631/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 10.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,461) that falls below the national average. However, Lemmon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lemmon has a population of 1,214 with a median age of 45.7 years. Compare Lemmon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Lemmon
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crooks | 1,216 | $104,479 | $270,500 | Compare |
| Tyndall | 1,206 | $51,719 | $94,200 | Compare |
| Salem | 1,201 | $71,655 | $163,500 | Compare |
| Clark | 1,181 | $49,464 | $125,700 | Compare |
| Parker | 1,247 | $87,632 | $208,000 | Compare |
| Garretson | 1,166 | $66,375 | $197,400 | Compare |
| Ashland Heights | 1,142 | $61,538 | $202,700 | Compare |
| Fort Thompson | 1,134 | $45,313 | $110,300 | 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 Lemmon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lemmon
What is the population of Lemmon, SD?
The population of Lemmon, SD is 1,214 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 Lemmon?
The median household income in Lemmon, SD is $42,461 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lemmon?
The median home value in Lemmon, SD is $79,700, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lemmon?
The median monthly rent in Lemmon, SD is $631, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lemmon?
The unemployment rate in Lemmon, SD is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lemmon, SD a good place to live?
Lemmon offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,214 and a median age of 45.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Lemmon, SD?
20.2% of residents in Lemmon 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 Lemmon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lemmon, SD: median home value is $79,700 (67% below national), median rent is $631/month, and median household income is $42,461. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lemmon?
The poverty rate in Lemmon, SD is 19.7%, 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 Lemmon, SD?
Lemmon's population is 0.9% White, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.