Lower Brule, SD
Population 777 · South Dakota
About Lower Brule, SD
Lower Brule is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 777 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,667 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 22 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 Lower Brule features a median home value of $22,500, which is 91% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lower Brule one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $415, 64% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 168 total housing units, 24% are owner-occupied (31 units) and 76% are renter-occupied (97 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 Lower Brule shows an unemployment rate of 8.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 57.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lower Brule have an average one-way commute time of 9.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
12.0% of Lower Brule 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 1.3% White, 91.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lower Brule Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Lower Brule, SD
Compared to national averages, Lower Brule has a median household income of $31,667 (58% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $22,500, which is 91% below the national median. Monthly rent at $415 is 64% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Lower Brule's income is 51% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 84% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Lower Brule, SD?
Lower Brule offers affordable housing with a median home value of $22,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $415/month, and short commute times averaging just 9.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,667) that falls below the national average. However, Lower Brule’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lower Brule has a population of 777 with a median age of 22 years. Compare Lower Brule with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Lower Brule
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wonderland Homes | 782 | $88,500 | $250,700 | Compare |
| Lake Norden | 769 | $71,923 | $201,400 | Compare |
| Bryant | 761 | $60,592 | $136,700 | Compare |
| Castlewood | 756 | $87,768 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Scotland | 800 | $61,406 | $110,000 | Compare |
| Woonsocket | 753 | $52,283 | $94,200 | Compare |
| Colton | 802 | $82,639 | $186,000 | Compare |
| Wessington Springs | 747 | $46,750 | $96,000 | 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 Lower Brule With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lower Brule
What is the population of Lower Brule, SD?
The population of Lower Brule, SD is 777 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 Lower Brule?
The median household income in Lower Brule, SD is $31,667 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lower Brule?
The median home value in Lower Brule, SD is $22,500, which is 91% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Lower Brule?
The median monthly rent in Lower Brule, SD is $415, which is 64% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lower Brule?
The unemployment rate in Lower Brule, SD is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lower Brule, SD a good place to live?
Lower Brule offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 777 and a median age of 22, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lower Brule, SD?
12.0% of residents in Lower Brule 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 Lower Brule?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lower Brule, SD: median home value is $22,500 (91% below national), median rent is $415/month, and median household income is $31,667. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lower Brule?
The poverty rate in Lower Brule, SD is 57.1%, 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 Lower Brule, SD?
Lower Brule's population is 1.3% White, 91.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.