Whitewood, SD
Population 746 · South Dakota
About Whitewood, SD
Whitewood is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 746 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,250 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.9 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 Whitewood features a median home value of $214,200, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Whitewood in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $925, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 306 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (225 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (62 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Whitewood shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Whitewood have an average one-way commute time of 22.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.0% of Whitewood 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 3.4% White, 8.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Whitewood, SD
Compared to national averages, Whitewood has a median household income of $67,250 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $214,200, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $925 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Whitewood's income is 4% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 49% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Whitewood, SD?
Whitewood offers affordable housing with a median home value of $214,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $925/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,250) that falls below the national average. However, Whitewood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Whitewood has a population of 746 with a median age of 43.9 years. Compare Whitewood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Whitewood
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wessington Springs | 747 | $46,750 | $96,000 | Compare |
| Wanblee | 744 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Woonsocket | 753 | $52,283 | $94,200 | Compare |
| Castlewood | 756 | $87,768 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Menno | 736 | $61,250 | $103,200 | Compare |
| Bryant | 761 | $60,592 | $136,700 | Compare |
| Alexandria | 725 | $92,500 | $168,300 | Compare |
| Lake Norden | 769 | $71,923 | $201,400 | 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 Whitewood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitewood
What is the population of Whitewood, SD?
The population of Whitewood, SD is 746 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 Whitewood?
The median household income in Whitewood, SD is $67,250 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Whitewood?
The median home value in Whitewood, SD is $214,200, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Whitewood?
The median monthly rent in Whitewood, SD is $925, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Whitewood?
The unemployment rate in Whitewood, SD is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Whitewood, SD a good place to live?
Whitewood offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 746 and a median age of 43.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Whitewood, SD?
18.0% of residents in Whitewood 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 Whitewood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Whitewood, SD: median home value is $214,200 (13% below national), median rent is $925/month, and median household income is $67,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Whitewood?
The poverty rate in Whitewood, SD is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Whitewood, SD?
Whitewood's population is 3.4% White, 8.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.