Scotland, SD
Population 800 · South Dakota
About Scotland, SD
Scotland is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 800 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,406 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.8 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 Scotland features a median home value of $110,000, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Scotland one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $573, 51% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 406 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (282 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (61 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Scotland 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 16.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Scotland have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.0% of Scotland 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 0.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Scotland Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Scotland, SD
Compared to national averages, Scotland has a median household income of $61,406 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $110,000, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $573 is 51% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Scotland's income is 5% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 23% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Scotland, SD?
Scotland offers affordable housing with a median home value of $110,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $573/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,406) that falls below the national average. However, Scotland’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Scotland has a population of 800 with a median age of 42.8 years. Compare Scotland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Scotland
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colton | 802 | $82,639 | $186,000 | Compare |
| Wonderland Homes | 782 | $88,500 | $250,700 | Compare |
| Lower Brule | 777 | $31,667 | $22,500 | Compare |
| Lake Norden | 769 | $71,923 | $201,400 | Compare |
| Arlington | 833 | $67,083 | $122,400 | Compare |
| Bryant | 761 | $60,592 | $136,700 | Compare |
| Castlewood | 756 | $87,768 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Edgemont | 845 | $42,440 | $81,100 | 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 Scotland With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Scotland
What is the population of Scotland, SD?
The population of Scotland, SD is 800 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 Scotland?
The median household income in Scotland, SD is $61,406 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Scotland?
The median home value in Scotland, SD is $110,000, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Scotland?
The median monthly rent in Scotland, SD is $573, which is 51% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Scotland?
The unemployment rate in Scotland, 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 Scotland, SD a good place to live?
Scotland offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 800 and a median age of 42.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Scotland, SD?
29.0% of residents in Scotland 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 Scotland?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Scotland, SD: median home value is $110,000 (55% below national), median rent is $573/month, and median household income is $61,406. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Scotland?
The poverty rate in Scotland, SD is 16.4%, 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 Scotland, SD?
Scotland's population is 0.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.