Wessington, SD
Population 192 · South Dakota
About Wessington, SD
Wessington is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 192 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,250 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33 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 Wessington features a median home value of $95,000, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wessington one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $538, 54% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 107 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (69 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (12 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wessington shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 20.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wessington have an average one-way commute time of 14.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.6% of Wessington 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, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wessington Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Wessington, SD
Compared to national averages, Wessington has a median household income of $65,250 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $95,000, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $538 is 54% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Wessington's income is 1% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 34% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Wessington, SD?
Wessington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $95,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $538/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,250) that falls below the national average. However, Wessington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wessington has a population of 192 with a median age of 33 years. Compare Wessington 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 Wessington
What is the population of Wessington, SD?
The population of Wessington, SD is 192 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 Wessington?
The median household income in Wessington, SD is $65,250 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wessington?
The median home value in Wessington, SD is $95,000, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wessington?
The median monthly rent in Wessington, SD is $538, which is 54% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wessington?
The unemployment rate in Wessington, SD is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wessington, SD a good place to live?
Wessington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 192 and a median age of 33, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Wessington, SD?
22.6% of residents in Wessington 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 Wessington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wessington, SD: median home value is $95,000 (61% below national), median rent is $538/month, and median household income is $65,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wessington?
The poverty rate in Wessington, SD is 20.8%, 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 Wessington, SD?
Wessington's population is 0.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.