West Brule, SD
Population 482 · South Dakota
About West Brule, SD
West Brule is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 482 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $34,167 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 18.2 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 West Brule features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes West Brule one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $425, 63% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 96 total housing units, 38% are owner-occupied (28 units) and 62% are renter-occupied (46 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 West Brule 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 51.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West Brule have an average one-way commute time of 8.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
0.5% of West Brule 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, 93.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How West Brule Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in West Brule, SD
Compared to national averages, West Brule has a median household income of $34,167 (55% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $425 is 63% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, West Brule's income is 47% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 100% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in West Brule, SD?
West Brule offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $425/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 8.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($34,167) that falls below the national average. However, West Brule’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Brule has a population of 482 with a median age of 18.2 years. Compare West Brule with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
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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 West Brule
What is the population of West Brule, SD?
The population of West Brule, SD is 482 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 West Brule?
The median household income in West Brule, SD is $34,167 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Brule?
The median home value in West Brule, SD is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in West Brule?
The median monthly rent in West Brule, SD is $425, which is 63% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Brule?
The unemployment rate in West Brule, 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 West Brule, SD a good place to live?
West Brule offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 482 and a median age of 18.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is West Brule, SD?
0.5% of residents in West Brule 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 West Brule?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Brule, SD: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $425/month, and median household income is $34,167. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in West Brule?
The poverty rate in West Brule, SD is 51.9%, 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 West Brule, SD?
West Brule's population is 0.0% White, 93.2% 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.