Wolsey, SD
Population 666 · South Dakota
About Wolsey, SD
Wolsey is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 666 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,833 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35 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 Wolsey features a median home value of $88,000, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wolsey one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $713, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 243 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (170 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (66 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wolsey 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 7.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wolsey have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.4% of Wolsey 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 18.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wolsey, SD
Compared to national averages, Wolsey has a median household income of $56,833 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $88,000, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $713 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Wolsey's income is 12% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 39% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Wolsey, SD?
Wolsey offers affordable housing with a median home value of $88,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $713/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,833) that falls below the national average. However, Wolsey’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wolsey has a population of 666 with a median age of 35 years. Compare Wolsey with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Wolsey
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canistota | 664 | $61,979 | $112,200 | Compare |
| Johnson Siding | 671 | $100,972 | $432,800 | Compare |
| Avon | 673 | $57,727 | $83,600 | Compare |
| Humboldt | 674 | $97,292 | $209,200 | Compare |
| Onida | 658 | $71,050 | $187,000 | Compare |
| Timber Lake | 677 | $58,000 | $83,600 | Compare |
| Corsica | 654 | $65,893 | $126,800 | Compare |
| Shindler | 651 | $142,875 | $567,300 | 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 Wolsey With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wolsey
What is the population of Wolsey, SD?
The population of Wolsey, SD is 666 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 Wolsey?
The median household income in Wolsey, SD is $56,833 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wolsey?
The median home value in Wolsey, SD is $88,000, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wolsey?
The median monthly rent in Wolsey, SD is $713, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wolsey?
The unemployment rate in Wolsey, 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 Wolsey, SD a good place to live?
Wolsey offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 666 and a median age of 35, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wolsey, SD?
20.4% of residents in Wolsey 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 Wolsey?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wolsey, SD: median home value is $88,000 (64% below national), median rent is $713/month, and median household income is $56,833. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wolsey?
The poverty rate in Wolsey, SD is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wolsey, SD?
Wolsey's population is 18.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.