Wounded Knee, SD
Population 484 · South Dakota
About Wounded Knee, SD
Wounded Knee is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 484 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $2,499 per year, which is 97% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 22.1 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 Wounded Knee features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wounded Knee one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 78 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (33 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (45 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 Wounded Knee shows an unemployment rate of 100.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 100.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wounded Knee have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of Wounded Knee 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, 100.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wounded Knee, SD
Compared to national averages, Wounded Knee has a median household income of $2,499 (97% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Wounded Knee's income is 96% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 100% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Wounded Knee, SD?
Wounded Knee 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 $0/month, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($2,499) that falls below the national average. However, Wounded Knee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wounded Knee has a population of 484 with a median age of 22.1 years. Compare Wounded Knee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Wounded Knee
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dupree | 483 | $48,036 | $69,400 | Compare |
| West Brule | 482 | $34,167 | $0 | Compare |
| Boulder Canyon | 487 | $71,846 | $510,400 | Compare |
| Philip | 491 | $43,750 | $102,800 | Compare |
| Emery | 475 | $62,679 | $125,000 | Compare |
| Newell | 494 | $52,277 | $120,100 | Compare |
| Warner | 494 | $114,375 | $231,600 | Compare |
| Prairiewood Village | 496 | $118,681 | $443,500 | 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 Wounded Knee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wounded Knee
What is the population of Wounded Knee, SD?
The population of Wounded Knee, SD is 484 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 Wounded Knee?
The median household income in Wounded Knee, SD is $2,499 per year, which is 97% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wounded Knee?
The median home value in Wounded Knee, 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 Wounded Knee?
The median monthly rent in Wounded Knee, SD is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wounded Knee?
The unemployment rate in Wounded Knee, SD is 100.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wounded Knee, SD a good place to live?
Wounded Knee offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 484 and a median age of 22.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Wounded Knee, SD?
0.0% of residents in Wounded Knee 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 Wounded Knee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wounded Knee, SD: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $2,499. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wounded Knee?
The poverty rate in Wounded Knee, SD is 100.0%, 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 Wounded Knee, SD?
Wounded Knee's population is 0.0% White, 100.0% 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.