Porcupine, SD
Population 549 · South Dakota
About Porcupine, SD
Porcupine is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 549 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $20,256 per year, which is 73% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.5 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 Porcupine features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Porcupine 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 240 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (156 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (31 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Porcupine shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 82.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Porcupine have an average one-way commute time of 23.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.0% of Porcupine 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, 90.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 8.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Porcupine, SD
Compared to national averages, Porcupine has a median household income of $20,256 (73% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Porcupine's income is 69% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 100% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Porcupine, SD?
Porcupine 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 $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($20,256) that falls below the national average. However, Porcupine’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Porcupine has a population of 549 with a median age of 32.5 years. Compare Porcupine 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 Porcupine
What is the population of Porcupine, SD?
The population of Porcupine, SD is 549 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 Porcupine?
The median household income in Porcupine, SD is $20,256 per year, which is 73% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Porcupine?
The median home value in Porcupine, SD is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Porcupine?
The median monthly rent in Porcupine, SD is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Porcupine?
The unemployment rate in Porcupine, SD is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Porcupine, SD a good place to live?
Porcupine offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 549 and a median age of 32.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Porcupine, SD?
7.0% of residents in Porcupine 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 Porcupine?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Porcupine, SD: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $20,256. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Porcupine?
The poverty rate in Porcupine, SD is 82.1%, 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 Porcupine, SD?
Porcupine's population is 0.0% White, 90.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 8.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.