Yankton, SD
Population 15,501 · South Dakota
About Yankton, SD
Yankton is a mid-sized city located in South Dakota with a population of 15,501 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,071 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Yankton features a median home value of $202,300, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Yankton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $780, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,229 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (4,538 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (2,273 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Yankton shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Yankton have an average one-way commute time of 12.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
30.2% of Yankton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.9% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Yankton Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Yankton, SD
Compared to national averages, Yankton has a median household income of $69,071 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $202,300, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $780 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Yankton's income is 7% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 41% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Yankton, SD?
Yankton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $202,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $780/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 12.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,071) that falls below the national average. However, Yankton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Yankton has a population of 15,501 with a median age of 41.8 years. Compare Yankton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Yankton
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell | 15,637 | $56,374 | $182,000 | Compare |
| Huron | 14,347 | $51,556 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Pierre | 14,008 | $74,053 | $219,500 | Compare |
| Spearfish | 12,551 | $59,731 | $309,200 | Compare |
| Box Elder | 12,457 | $73,698 | $271,800 | Compare |
| Vermillion | 11,800 | $52,815 | $210,200 | Compare |
| Brandon | 10,996 | $104,806 | $317,300 | Compare |
| Watertown | 22,859 | $62,721 | $212,300 | 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 Yankton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Yankton
What is the population of Yankton, SD?
The population of Yankton, SD is 15,501 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in South Dakota.
What is the median household income in Yankton?
The median household income in Yankton, SD is $69,071 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Yankton?
The median home value in Yankton, SD is $202,300, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Yankton?
The median monthly rent in Yankton, SD is $780, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Yankton?
The unemployment rate in Yankton, SD is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Yankton, SD a good place to live?
Yankton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 15,501 and a median age of 41.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Yankton, SD?
30.2% of residents in Yankton 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 Yankton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Yankton, SD: median home value is $202,300 (17% below national), median rent is $780/month, and median household income is $69,071. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Yankton?
The poverty rate in Yankton, SD is 10.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Yankton, SD?
Yankton's population is 2.9% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.