Mission, SD
Population 1,380 · South Dakota
About Mission, SD
Mission is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 1,380 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $34,000 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 22.1 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 Mission features a median home value of $56,900, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mission 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 473 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (184 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (210 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 Mission shows an unemployment rate of 20.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 44.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mission have an average one-way commute time of 15.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
12.6% of Mission 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 1.2% White, 85.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mission Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Mission, SD
Compared to national averages, Mission has a median household income of $34,000 (55% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $56,900, which is 77% below the national median. Monthly rent at $631 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Mission's income is 47% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 60% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Mission, SD?
Mission offers affordable housing with a median home value of $56,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $631/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($34,000) that falls below the national average. However, Mission’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mission has a population of 1,380 with a median age of 22.1 years. Compare Mission with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Mission
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora | 1,407 | $90,612 | $219,100 | Compare |
| Miller | 1,346 | $51,774 | $135,100 | Compare |
| Gettysburg | 1,344 | $59,667 | $127,000 | Compare |
| Gregory | 1,330 | $47,629 | $105,600 | Compare |
| North Eagle Butte | 1,432 | $38,125 | $37,500 | Compare |
| Deadwood | 1,319 | $52,679 | $227,000 | Compare |
| Platte | 1,310 | $71,641 | $165,700 | Compare |
| Eagle Butte | 1,492 | $53,558 | $51,500 | 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 Mission With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mission
What is the population of Mission, SD?
The population of Mission, SD is 1,380 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 Mission?
The median household income in Mission, SD is $34,000 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mission?
The median home value in Mission, SD is $56,900, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Mission?
The median monthly rent in Mission, SD is $631, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mission?
The unemployment rate in Mission, SD is 20.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mission, SD a good place to live?
Mission offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,380 and a median age of 22.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Mission, SD?
12.6% of residents in Mission 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 Mission?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mission, SD: median home value is $56,900 (77% below national), median rent is $631/month, and median household income is $34,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mission?
The poverty rate in Mission, SD is 44.9%, 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 Mission, SD?
Mission's population is 1.2% White, 85.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.