Ortley, SD
Population 62 · South Dakota
About Ortley, SD
Ortley is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 62 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,750 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44 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 Ortley features a median home value of $41,000, which is 83% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ortley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 38 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (24 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (8 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ortley shows an unemployment rate of 11.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ortley have an average one-way commute time of 20.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.0% of Ortley 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 0.0% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ortley Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Ortley, SD
Compared to national averages, Ortley has a median household income of $38,750 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $41,000, which is 83% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Ortley's income is 40% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 71% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Ortley, SD?
Ortley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $41,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,750) that falls below the national average. However, Ortley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ortley has a population of 62 with a median age of 44 years. Compare Ortley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Ortley
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brentwood Colony | 61 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Clark Colony | 63 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Sunset Colony | 61 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Cow Creek | 64 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Farmer | 64 | $60,893 | $0 | Compare |
| Meckling | 64 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Evergreen Colony | 59 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Shamrock Colony | 65 | $0 | $0 | 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 Ortley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ortley
What is the population of Ortley, SD?
The population of Ortley, SD is 62 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 Ortley?
The median household income in Ortley, SD is $38,750 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ortley?
The median home value in Ortley, SD is $41,000, which is 83% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ortley?
The median monthly rent in Ortley, SD is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ortley?
The unemployment rate in Ortley, SD is 11.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ortley, SD a good place to live?
Ortley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 62 and a median age of 44, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ortley, SD?
17.0% of residents in Ortley 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 Ortley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ortley, SD: median home value is $41,000 (83% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $38,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ortley?
The poverty rate in Ortley, SD is 27.4%, 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 Ortley, SD?
Ortley's population is 0.0% White, 3.2% 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.