Parkston, SD
Population 1,981 · South Dakota
About Parkston, SD
Parkston is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 1,981 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,313 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Parkston features a median home value of $145,500, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Parkston one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $725, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 868 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (604 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (209 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Parkston shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Parkston have an average one-way commute time of 13 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.8% of Parkston 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 2.5% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Parkston Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Parkston, SD
Compared to national averages, Parkston has a median household income of $71,313 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $145,500, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $725 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Parkston's income is 10% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 1% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Parkston, SD?
Parkston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $145,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $725/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 13 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,313) that falls below the national average. However, Parkston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Parkston has a population of 1,981 with a median age of 37.2 years. Compare Parkston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Parkston
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | 2,073 | $59,063 | $126,800 | Compare |
| Webster | 1,823 | $55,074 | $122,200 | Compare |
| Custer | 2,148 | $80,188 | $229,500 | Compare |
| Groton | 1,794 | $82,083 | $173,000 | Compare |
| North Spearfish | 2,201 | $69,792 | $321,800 | Compare |
| Redfield | 2,230 | $60,586 | $117,000 | Compare |
| Volga | 2,246 | $75,417 | $220,200 | Compare |
| Rosebud | 1,710 | $55,066 | $57,000 | 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 Parkston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Parkston
What is the population of Parkston, SD?
The population of Parkston, SD is 1,981 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 Parkston?
The median household income in Parkston, SD is $71,313 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Parkston?
The median home value in Parkston, SD is $145,500, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Parkston?
The median monthly rent in Parkston, SD is $725, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Parkston?
The unemployment rate in Parkston, SD is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Parkston, SD a good place to live?
Parkston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,981 and a median age of 37.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Parkston, SD?
24.8% of residents in Parkston 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 Parkston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Parkston, SD: median home value is $145,500 (41% below national), median rent is $725/month, and median household income is $71,313. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Parkston?
The poverty rate in Parkston, SD is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Parkston, SD?
Parkston's population is 2.5% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.