Rapid City, SD
Population 76,836 · South Dakota
About Rapid City, SD
Rapid City is a mid-sized city located in South Dakota with a population of 76,836 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,712 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rapid City features a median home value of $270,000, which is 10% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Rapid City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,053, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 34,751 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (19,689 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (12,272 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rapid City shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rapid City have an average one-way commute time of 17.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
36.4% of Rapid City 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 3.8% White, 13.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Rapid City With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in South Dakota.
What is the median household income in Rapid City?
The median household income in Rapid City, SD is $65,712 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rapid City?
The median home value in Rapid City, SD is $270,000, which is 10% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rapid City?
The median monthly rent in Rapid City, SD is $1,053, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rapid City?
The unemployment rate in Rapid City, SD is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rapid City, SD a good place to live?
Rapid City offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 76,836 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rapid City, SD?
36.4% of residents in Rapid City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Rapid City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rapid City, SD: median home value is $270,000 (10% above national), median rent is $1,053/month, and median household income is $65,712. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rapid City?
The poverty rate in Rapid City, SD is 13.3%, 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 Rapid City, SD?
Rapid City's population is 3.8% White, 13.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.