Rapid City, SD
Population 76,836 · South Dakota
About Rapid City, SD
Rapid City is a mid-sized city in South Dakota with a population of 76,836 residents. The median household income is $65,712 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Rapid City is 39 years.
Housing in Rapid City has a median home value of $270,000 and median monthly rent of $1,053. Of the 34,751 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 19,689 owner-occupied and 12,272 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Rapid City is 3.2% and the poverty rate is 13.3%. 36.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 17.4 minutes.
How Rapid City Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Rapid City, SD
Compared to national averages, Rapid City has a median household income of $65,712 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $270,000, which is 10% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,053 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Rapid City's income is 2% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 88% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Rapid City, SD?
Rapid City offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,053/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, and a well-educated community where 36.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,712) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Rapid City provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Rapid City has a population of 76,836 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Rapid City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Rapid City
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | 28,297 | $63,715 | $205,500 | Compare |
| Brookings | 23,710 | $61,979 | $243,600 | Compare |
| Watertown | 22,859 | $62,721 | $212,300 | Compare |
| Mitchell | 15,637 | $56,374 | $182,000 | Compare |
| Yankton | 15,501 | $69,071 | $202,300 | Compare |
| Huron | 14,347 | $51,556 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Pierre | 14,008 | $74,053 | $219,500 | Compare |
| Spearfish | 12,551 | $59,731 | $309,200 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rapid City
What is the population of Rapid City, SD?
The population of Rapid City, SD is 76,836 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Rapid City?
The median household income in Rapid City, SD is $65,712 per year.
What is the median home value in Rapid City?
The median home value in Rapid City, SD is $270,000.
What is the average rent in Rapid City?
The median monthly rent in Rapid City, SD is $1,053.
What is the unemployment rate in Rapid City?
The unemployment rate in Rapid City, SD is 3.2%.