Waubay, SD
Population 425 · South Dakota
About Waubay, SD
Waubay is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 425 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,635 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.7 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 Waubay features a median home value of $105,000, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Waubay one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $583, 50% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 347 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (132 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (67 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waubay shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waubay have an average one-way commute time of 15.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
27.2% of Waubay 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 0.0% White, 37.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Waubay, SD
Compared to national averages, Waubay has a median household income of $36,635 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $105,000, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $583 is 50% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Waubay's income is 43% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 27% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Waubay, SD?
Waubay offers affordable housing with a median home value of $105,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $583/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,635) that falls below the national average. However, Waubay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waubay has a population of 425 with a median age of 51.7 years. Compare Waubay 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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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Waubay
What is the population of Waubay, SD?
The population of Waubay, SD is 425 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 Waubay?
The median household income in Waubay, SD is $36,635 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waubay?
The median home value in Waubay, SD is $105,000, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waubay?
The median monthly rent in Waubay, SD is $583, which is 50% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waubay?
The unemployment rate in Waubay, SD is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waubay, SD a good place to live?
Waubay offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 425 and a median age of 51.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Waubay, SD?
27.2% of residents in Waubay 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 Waubay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waubay, SD: median home value is $105,000 (57% below national), median rent is $583/month, and median household income is $36,635. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waubay?
The poverty rate in Waubay, SD is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waubay, SD?
Waubay's population is 0.0% White, 37.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.