Vermillion, SD
Population 11,800 · South Dakota
About Vermillion, SD
Vermillion is a mid-sized city located in South Dakota with a population of 11,800 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,815 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 22.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Vermillion features a median home value of $210,200, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Vermillion in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $728, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,623 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (1,798 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (2,417 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 Vermillion shows an unemployment rate of 10.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Vermillion have an average one-way commute time of 15.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
50.6% of Vermillion residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.7% White, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 5.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Vermillion Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Vermillion, SD
Compared to national averages, Vermillion has a median household income of $52,815 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $210,200, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $728 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Vermillion's income is 18% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 46% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Vermillion, SD?
Vermillion offers affordable housing with a median home value of $210,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $728/month, and a well-educated community where 50.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,815) that falls below the national average. However, Vermillion’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Vermillion has a population of 11,800 with a median age of 22.9 years. Compare Vermillion with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Vermillion
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Elder | 12,457 | $73,698 | $271,800 | Compare |
| Spearfish | 12,551 | $59,731 | $309,200 | Compare |
| Brandon | 10,996 | $104,806 | $317,300 | Compare |
| Pierre | 14,008 | $74,053 | $219,500 | 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 Vermillion With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Vermillion
What is the population of Vermillion, SD?
The population of Vermillion, SD is 11,800 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 Vermillion?
The median household income in Vermillion, SD is $52,815 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Vermillion?
The median home value in Vermillion, SD is $210,200, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Vermillion?
The median monthly rent in Vermillion, SD is $728, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Vermillion?
The unemployment rate in Vermillion, SD is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Vermillion, SD a good place to live?
Vermillion offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,800 and a median age of 22.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Vermillion, SD?
50.6% of residents in Vermillion 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 Vermillion?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Vermillion, SD: median home value is $210,200 (14% below national), median rent is $728/month, and median household income is $52,815. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Vermillion?
The poverty rate in Vermillion, SD is 25.1%, 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 Vermillion, SD?
Vermillion's population is 2.7% White, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 2.6% two or more races. 5.4% of residents are foreign-born.