Running Water, SD
Population 80 · South Dakota
About Running Water, SD
Running Water is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 80 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 76 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 Running Water features a median home value of $9,999, which is 96% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Running Water 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 53 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (48 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (5 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Running Water 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 0.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Running Water have an average one-way commute time of 15.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
31.3% of Running Water 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 0.0% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Running Water Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Running Water, SD
Compared to national averages, Running Water has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $9,999, which is 96% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Running Water's income is 100% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 93% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Running Water, SD?
Running Water offers affordable housing with a median home value of $9,999, 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 a low poverty rate of 0.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Running Water’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Running Water has a population of 80 with a median age of 76 years. Compare Running Water with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Running Water
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Grass | 80 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Akaska | 79 | $41,705 | $91,700 | Compare |
| Bath Corner | 81 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Morningside | 79 | $118,750 | $230,000 | Compare |
| Strandburg | 79 | $55,625 | $88,800 | Compare |
| Golden View Colony | 82 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Harrold | 83 | $51,250 | $104,200 | Compare |
| Wasta | 77 | $45,000 | $111,500 | 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 Running Water With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Running Water
What is the population of Running Water, SD?
The population of Running Water, SD is 80 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 Running Water?
The median household income in Running Water, SD is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Running Water?
The median home value in Running Water, SD is $9,999, which is 96% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Running Water?
The median monthly rent in Running Water, SD is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Running Water?
The unemployment rate in Running Water, 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 Running Water, SD a good place to live?
Running Water offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 80 and a median age of 76, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Running Water, SD?
31.3% of residents in Running Water 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 Running Water?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Running Water, SD: median home value is $9,999 (96% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Running Water?
The poverty rate in Running Water, SD is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Running Water, SD?
Running Water's population is 0.0% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.