Wagner, SD
Population 1,555 · South Dakota
About Wagner, SD
Wagner is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 1,555 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,137 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wagner features a median home value of $129,200, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wagner one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $711, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 622 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (308 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (213 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wagner shows an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wagner have an average one-way commute time of 12.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.7% of Wagner 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 1.9% White, 46.4% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wagner, SD
Compared to national averages, Wagner has a median household income of $47,137 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $129,200, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $711 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Wagner's income is 27% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 10% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Wagner, SD?
Wagner offers affordable housing with a median home value of $129,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $711/month, and short commute times averaging just 12.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,137) that falls below the national average. However, Wagner’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wagner has a population of 1,555 with a median age of 38.8 years. Compare Wagner with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Wagner
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freeman | 1,558 | $60,114 | $171,300 | Compare |
| Baltic | 1,512 | $105,132 | $240,200 | Compare |
| Oglala | 1,601 | $43,274 | $42,200 | Compare |
| Green Valley | 1,503 | $78,801 | $232,100 | Compare |
| Kyle | 1,495 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Eagle Butte | 1,492 | $53,558 | $51,500 | Compare |
| North Eagle Butte | 1,432 | $38,125 | $37,500 | Compare |
| Aurora | 1,407 | $90,612 | $219,100 | 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 Wagner With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wagner
What is the population of Wagner, SD?
The population of Wagner, SD is 1,555 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in South Dakota.
What is the median household income in Wagner?
The median household income in Wagner, SD is $47,137 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wagner?
The median home value in Wagner, SD is $129,200, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wagner?
The median monthly rent in Wagner, SD is $711, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wagner?
The unemployment rate in Wagner, SD is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wagner, SD a good place to live?
Wagner offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,555 and a median age of 38.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wagner, SD?
19.7% of residents in Wagner 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 Wagner?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wagner, SD: median home value is $129,200 (47% below national), median rent is $711/month, and median household income is $47,137. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wagner?
The poverty rate in Wagner, 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 Wagner, SD?
Wagner's population is 1.9% White, 46.4% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.