Willow Lake, SD
Population 455 · South Dakota
About Willow Lake, SD
Willow Lake is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 455 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,929 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 16.2 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 Willow Lake features a median home value of $150,000, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Willow Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $810, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 125 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (64 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (42 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Willow Lake 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 1.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Willow Lake have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.2% of Willow Lake 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 12.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Willow Lake, SD
Compared to national averages, Willow Lake has a median household income of $63,929 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $150,000, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $810 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Willow Lake's income is 1% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 4% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Willow Lake, SD?
Willow Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $150,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $810/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 1.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,929) that falls below the national average. However, Willow Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Willow Lake has a population of 455 with a median age of 16.2 years. Compare Willow Lake 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 Willow Lake
What is the population of Willow Lake, SD?
The population of Willow Lake, SD is 455 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 Willow Lake?
The median household income in Willow Lake, SD is $63,929 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Willow Lake?
The median home value in Willow Lake, SD is $150,000, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Willow Lake?
The median monthly rent in Willow Lake, SD is $810, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Willow Lake?
The unemployment rate in Willow Lake, 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 Willow Lake, SD a good place to live?
Willow Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 455 and a median age of 16.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Willow Lake, SD?
16.2% of residents in Willow Lake 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 Willow Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Willow Lake, SD: median home value is $150,000 (39% below national), median rent is $810/month, and median household income is $63,929. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Willow Lake?
The poverty rate in Willow Lake, SD is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Willow Lake, SD?
Willow Lake's population is 12.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 3.5% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.