Selby, SD
Population 642 · South Dakota
About Selby, SD
Selby is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 642 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,882 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Selby features a median home value of $104,800, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Selby one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $532, 54% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 270 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (177 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (55 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Selby shows an unemployment rate of 10.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 6.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Selby have an average one-way commute time of 27.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.6% of Selby 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 0.0% White, 10.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Selby Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Selby, SD
Compared to national averages, Selby has a median household income of $40,882 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $104,800, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $532 is 54% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Selby's income is 37% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 27% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Selby, SD?
Selby offers affordable housing with a median home value of $104,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $532/month, and a low poverty rate of 6.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,882) that falls below the national average. However, Selby’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Selby has a population of 642 with a median age of 41.7 years. Compare Selby with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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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 Selby
What is the population of Selby, SD?
The population of Selby, SD is 642 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 Selby?
The median household income in Selby, SD is $40,882 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Selby?
The median home value in Selby, SD is $104,800, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Selby?
The median monthly rent in Selby, SD is $532, which is 54% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Selby?
The unemployment rate in Selby, SD is 10.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Selby, SD a good place to live?
Selby offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 642 and a median age of 41.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Selby, SD?
13.6% of residents in Selby 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 Selby?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Selby, SD: median home value is $104,800 (57% below national), median rent is $532/month, and median household income is $40,882. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Selby?
The poverty rate in Selby, SD is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Selby, SD?
Selby's population is 0.0% White, 10.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.