Mountain Plains, SD
Population 412 · South Dakota
About Mountain Plains, SD
Mountain Plains is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 412 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $166,641 per year, which is 122% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 62.6 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 Mountain Plains features a median home value of $606,100, which is 147% above the national median of $244,900. This places Mountain Plains in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 168 total housing units, 100% are owner-occupied (168 units) and 0% are renter-occupied (0 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mountain Plains shows an unemployment rate of 8.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 0.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mountain Plains have an average one-way commute time of 17.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
44.4% of Mountain Plains residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 7.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mountain Plains Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Mountain Plains, SD
Compared to national averages, Mountain Plains has a median household income of $166,641 (122% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $606,100, which is 147% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Mountain Plains's income is 158% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 322% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Mountain Plains, SD?
Mountain Plains offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $166,641, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 44.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 0.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $606,100. However, Mountain Plains’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mountain Plains has a population of 412 with a median age of 62.6 years. Compare Mountain Plains with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Mountain Plains
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Poinsett | 413 | $101,136 | $446,600 | Compare |
| Anderson | 406 | $143,705 | $372,300 | Compare |
| Bison | 419 | $62,273 | $72,300 | Compare |
| Hudson | 405 | $70,000 | $113,500 | Compare |
| Keystone | 404 | $62,159 | $188,800 | Compare |
| Langford | 402 | $74,063 | $105,800 | Compare |
| White Lake | 423 | $48,906 | $59,300 | Compare |
| Iroquois | 425 | $60,750 | $138,500 | 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 Mountain Plains With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mountain Plains
What is the population of Mountain Plains, SD?
The population of Mountain Plains, SD is 412 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 Mountain Plains?
The median household income in Mountain Plains, SD is $166,641 per year, which is 122% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mountain Plains?
The median home value in Mountain Plains, SD is $606,100, which is 147% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mountain Plains?
The median monthly rent in Mountain Plains, SD is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mountain Plains?
The unemployment rate in Mountain Plains, SD is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mountain Plains, SD a good place to live?
Mountain Plains offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 412 and a median age of 62.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Mountain Plains, SD?
44.4% of residents in Mountain Plains 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 Mountain Plains?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mountain Plains, SD: median home value is $606,100 (147% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $166,641. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Mountain Plains?
The poverty rate in Mountain Plains, SD is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Mountain Plains, SD?
Mountain Plains's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 7.5% of residents are foreign-born.