Rapid Valley, SD
Population 7,153 · South Dakota
About Rapid Valley, SD
Rapid Valley is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 7,153 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $85,217 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rapid Valley features a median home value of $226,300, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rapid Valley in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,263, 9% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,307 total housing units, 96% are owner-occupied (3,116 units) and 4% are renter-occupied (137 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rapid Valley shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rapid Valley have an average one-way commute time of 18.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.1% of Rapid Valley 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 1.7% White, 12.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rapid Valley Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Rapid Valley, SD
Compared to national averages, Rapid Valley has a median household income of $85,217 (13% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $226,300, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,263 is 9% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Rapid Valley's income is 32% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 57% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Rapid Valley, SD?
Rapid Valley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $85,217, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $226,300, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.1 minutes.
Rapid Valley has a population of 7,153 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Rapid Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Rapid Valley
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sturgis | 7,111 | $51,101 | $236,400 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 7,790 | $101,534 | $281,400 | Compare |
| Tea | 6,339 | $104,643 | $305,300 | Compare |
| Madison | 6,158 | $62,180 | $191,400 | Compare |
| Belle Fourche | 5,741 | $59,920 | $188,800 | Compare |
| Dakota Dunes | 4,129 | $123,438 | $495,000 | Compare |
| Dell Rapids | 3,947 | $101,250 | $284,400 | Compare |
| Milbank | 3,513 | $58,462 | $161,300 | 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 Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rapid Valley
What is the population of Rapid Valley, SD?
The population of Rapid Valley, SD is 7,153 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 Rapid Valley?
The median household income in Rapid Valley, SD is $85,217 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rapid Valley?
The median home value in Rapid Valley, SD is $226,300, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rapid Valley?
The median monthly rent in Rapid Valley, SD is $1,263, which is 9% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rapid Valley?
The unemployment rate in Rapid Valley, SD is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rapid Valley, SD a good place to live?
Rapid Valley offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,153 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rapid Valley, SD?
20.1% of residents in Rapid Valley 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 Rapid Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rapid Valley, SD: median home value is $226,300 (8% below national), median rent is $1,263/month, and median household income is $85,217. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rapid Valley?
The poverty rate in Rapid Valley, SD is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rapid Valley, SD?
Rapid Valley's population is 1.7% White, 12.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.