Parmelee, SD
Population 637 · South Dakota
About Parmelee, SD
Parmelee is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 637 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $30,859 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 18 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 Parmelee features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Parmelee one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $568, 51% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 134 total housing units, 11% are owner-occupied (13 units) and 89% are renter-occupied (108 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Parmelee shows an unemployment rate of 11.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 79.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Parmelee have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
7.1% of Parmelee 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, 98.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Parmelee Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Parmelee, SD
Compared to national averages, Parmelee has a median household income of $30,859 (59% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $568 is 51% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Parmelee's income is 52% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 100% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Parmelee, SD?
Parmelee offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $568/month, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($30,859) that falls below the national average. However, Parmelee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Parmelee has a population of 637 with a median age of 18 years. Compare Parmelee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
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Demographics
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Parmelee
What is the population of Parmelee, SD?
The population of Parmelee, SD is 637 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 Parmelee?
The median household income in Parmelee, SD is $30,859 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Parmelee?
The median home value in Parmelee, SD is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Parmelee?
The median monthly rent in Parmelee, SD is $568, which is 51% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Parmelee?
The unemployment rate in Parmelee, SD is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Parmelee, SD a good place to live?
Parmelee offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 637 and a median age of 18, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Parmelee, SD?
7.1% of residents in Parmelee 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 Parmelee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Parmelee, SD: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $568/month, and median household income is $30,859. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Parmelee?
The poverty rate in Parmelee, SD is 79.7%, 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 Parmelee, SD?
Parmelee's population is 0.0% White, 98.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.