Mitchell, SD
Population 15,637 · South Dakota
About Mitchell, SD
Mitchell is a mid-sized city located in South Dakota with a population of 15,637 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,374 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mitchell features a median home value of $182,000, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Mitchell in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $754, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,970 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (4,244 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (2,989 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mitchell shows an unemployment rate of 1.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mitchell have an average one-way commute time of 12 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.7% of Mitchell 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 5.3% White, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mitchell Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Mitchell, SD
Compared to national averages, Mitchell has a median household income of $56,374 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $182,000, which is 26% below the national median. Monthly rent at $754 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Mitchell's income is 13% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 27% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Mitchell, SD?
Mitchell offers affordable housing with a median home value of $182,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $754/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 12 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,374) that falls below the national average. However, Mitchell’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mitchell has a population of 15,637 with a median age of 39.8 years. Compare Mitchell with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Mitchell
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yankton | 15,501 | $69,071 | $202,300 | Compare |
| Huron | 14,347 | $51,556 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Pierre | 14,008 | $74,053 | $219,500 | Compare |
| Spearfish | 12,551 | $59,731 | $309,200 | Compare |
| Box Elder | 12,457 | $73,698 | $271,800 | Compare |
| Vermillion | 11,800 | $52,815 | $210,200 | Compare |
| Brandon | 10,996 | $104,806 | $317,300 | Compare |
| Watertown | 22,859 | $62,721 | $212,300 | 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 Mitchell With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mitchell
What is the population of Mitchell, SD?
The population of Mitchell, SD is 15,637 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in South Dakota.
What is the median household income in Mitchell?
The median household income in Mitchell, SD is $56,374 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mitchell?
The median home value in Mitchell, SD is $182,000, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mitchell?
The median monthly rent in Mitchell, SD is $754, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mitchell?
The unemployment rate in Mitchell, SD is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Mitchell, SD a good place to live?
Mitchell offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 15,637 and a median age of 39.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mitchell, SD?
25.7% of residents in Mitchell 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 Mitchell?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mitchell, SD: median home value is $182,000 (26% below national), median rent is $754/month, and median household income is $56,374. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mitchell?
The poverty rate in Mitchell, SD is 14.2%, 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 Mitchell, SD?
Mitchell's population is 5.3% White, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.