Oglala, SD
Population 1,601 · South Dakota
About Oglala, SD
Oglala is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 1,601 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,274 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.1 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 Oglala features a median home value of $42,200, which is 83% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Oglala one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $500, 57% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 451 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (245 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (150 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oglala shows an unemployment rate of 24.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 41.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oglala have an average one-way commute time of 15.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
8.0% of Oglala 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 1.8% White, 96.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Oglala Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Oglala, SD
Compared to national averages, Oglala has a median household income of $43,274 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $42,200, which is 83% below the national median. Monthly rent at $500 is 57% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Oglala's income is 33% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 71% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Oglala, SD?
Oglala offers affordable housing with a median home value of $42,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $500/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,274) that falls below the national average. However, Oglala’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oglala has a population of 1,601 with a median age of 28.1 years. Compare Oglala with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Oglala
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freeman | 1,558 | $60,114 | $171,300 | Compare |
| Wagner | 1,555 | $47,137 | $129,200 | Compare |
| Baltic | 1,512 | $105,132 | $240,200 | Compare |
| Green Valley | 1,503 | $78,801 | $232,100 | Compare |
| Kyle | 1,495 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Eagle Butte | 1,492 | $53,558 | $51,500 | Compare |
| Rosebud | 1,710 | $55,066 | $57,000 | Compare |
| North Eagle Butte | 1,432 | $38,125 | $37,500 | 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 Oglala With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oglala
What is the population of Oglala, SD?
The population of Oglala, SD is 1,601 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 Oglala?
The median household income in Oglala, SD is $43,274 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oglala?
The median home value in Oglala, SD is $42,200, which is 83% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oglala?
The median monthly rent in Oglala, SD is $500, which is 57% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oglala?
The unemployment rate in Oglala, SD is 24.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Oglala, SD a good place to live?
Oglala offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,601 and a median age of 28.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Oglala, SD?
8.0% of residents in Oglala 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 Oglala?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oglala, SD: median home value is $42,200 (83% below national), median rent is $500/month, and median household income is $43,274. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Oglala?
The poverty rate in Oglala, SD is 41.8%, 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 Oglala, SD?
Oglala's population is 1.8% White, 96.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.