Madison, SD
Population 6,158 · South Dakota
About Madison, SD
Madison is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 6,158 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,180 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Madison features a median home value of $191,400, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Madison in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $874, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,878 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (1,412 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (1,113 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Madison shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Madison have an average one-way commute time of 11.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.7% of Madison residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Madison Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Madison, SD
Compared to national averages, Madison has a median household income of $62,180 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $191,400, which is 22% below the national median. Monthly rent at $874 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Madison's income is 4% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 33% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Madison, SD?
Madison offers affordable housing with a median home value of $191,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $874/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 35.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 11.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,180) that falls below the national average. However, Madison’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Madison has a population of 6,158 with a median age of 39.6 years. Compare Madison with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Madison
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea | 6,339 | $104,643 | $305,300 | Compare |
| Belle Fourche | 5,741 | $59,920 | $188,800 | Compare |
| Sturgis | 7,111 | $51,101 | $236,400 | Compare |
| Rapid Valley | 7,153 | $85,217 | $226,300 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 7,790 | $101,534 | $281,400 | Compare |
| Dakota Dunes | 4,129 | $123,438 | $495,000 | Compare |
| Dell Rapids | 3,947 | $101,250 | $284,400 | Compare |
| Milbank | 3,513 | $58,462 | $161,300 | 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 Madison With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Madison
What is the population of Madison, SD?
The population of Madison, SD is 6,158 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 Madison?
The median household income in Madison, SD is $62,180 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Madison?
The median home value in Madison, SD is $191,400, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Madison?
The median monthly rent in Madison, SD is $874, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Madison?
The unemployment rate in Madison, SD is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Madison, SD a good place to live?
Madison offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 6,158 and a median age of 39.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Madison, SD?
35.7% of residents in Madison aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Madison?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Madison, SD: median home value is $191,400 (22% below national), median rent is $874/month, and median household income is $62,180. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Madison?
The poverty rate in Madison, SD is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Madison, SD?
Madison's population is 1.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.