Spearfish, SD
Population 12,551 · South Dakota
About Spearfish, SD
Spearfish is a mid-sized city located in South Dakota with a population of 12,551 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,731 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Spearfish features a median home value of $309,200, which is 26% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Spearfish in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $941, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,238 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (2,791 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (2,983 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Spearfish shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Spearfish have an average one-way commute time of 14.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
43.6% of Spearfish 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 1.8% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Spearfish Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Spearfish, SD
Compared to national averages, Spearfish has a median household income of $59,731 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $309,200, which is 26% above the national median. Monthly rent at $941 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Spearfish's income is 8% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 115% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Spearfish, SD?
Spearfish offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $941/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a well-educated community where 43.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,731) that falls below the national average. However, Spearfish’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Spearfish has a population of 12,551 with a median age of 37.2 years. Compare Spearfish with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Spearfish
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Elder | 12,457 | $73,698 | $271,800 | Compare |
| Vermillion | 11,800 | $52,815 | $210,200 | Compare |
| Pierre | 14,008 | $74,053 | $219,500 | Compare |
| Brandon | 10,996 | $104,806 | $317,300 | Compare |
| Huron | 14,347 | $51,556 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Yankton | 15,501 | $69,071 | $202,300 | Compare |
| Mitchell | 15,637 | $56,374 | $182,000 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 7,790 | $101,534 | $281,400 | 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 Spearfish With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Spearfish
What is the population of Spearfish, SD?
The population of Spearfish, SD is 12,551 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 Spearfish?
The median household income in Spearfish, SD is $59,731 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Spearfish?
The median home value in Spearfish, SD is $309,200, which is 26% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Spearfish?
The median monthly rent in Spearfish, SD is $941, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Spearfish?
The unemployment rate in Spearfish, SD is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Spearfish, SD a good place to live?
Spearfish offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,551 and a median age of 37.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Spearfish, SD?
43.6% of residents in Spearfish 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 Spearfish?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Spearfish, SD: median home value is $309,200 (26% above national), median rent is $941/month, and median household income is $59,731. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Spearfish?
The poverty rate in Spearfish, SD is 15.2%, 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 Spearfish, SD?
Spearfish's population is 1.8% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.