Alcester city, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Alcester city, South Dakota has a total population of 987, the 82nd largest city in South Dakota, with a median household income of $58,661, which is 19% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 12.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.0x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%.
Alcester city Quick Facts
How Alcester city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 33 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Alcester city Rankings in South Dakota
Explore South Dakota Rankings
Other Cities in Union County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Sioux City city | 3,018 | $76,481 | 13.5% | $234,500 |
| Beresford city | 2,437 | $71,017 | 5.6% | $219,800 |
| Elk Point city | 2,391 | $83,250 | 7.2% | $228,400 |
| Jefferson city | 717 | $81,149 | 3.2% | $177,900 |
Cities Similar to Alcester city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elkton city | 971 | $58,750 | $183,800 | 23.9% | 27.9% |
| De Smet city | 974 | $60,139 | $155,900 | 23.5% | 5.4% |
| Howard city | 990 | $54,792 | $93,200 | 8.4% | 17.2% |
| Piedmont city | 956 | $52,730 | $290,100 | 19.3% | 9.6% |
| Centerville city | 876 | $58,438 | $123,600 | 25.0% | 8.6% |
Population Overview
Alcester city is a small community located in South Dakota, within Union County. The total population is 987. It ranks as the 82nd most populous out of 439 cities and towns in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Alcester city is 42.9 years. This is 14% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. 14.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Alcester city is $58,661. This is 19% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 25% lower. The poverty rate stands at 12.1%. This is about average than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 0.9%. This is 68% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $114,400. Housing costs are 52% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.0x, Alcester city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 72.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% higher than the state average of 68.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Alcester city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 82.1% of the population. Asian residents account for 1.7%. The Black or African American population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.3%) is well below the state average of 4.6%.
Education
15.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 49% lower than the state rate of 31.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Alcester city, South Dakota is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against South Dakota state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 439 Census-designated places in South Dakota. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Alcester city, South Dakota?
Alcester city, South Dakota has a population of 987 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Alcester city, SD?
The median household income in Alcester city is $58,661, which is 25% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Alcester city, SD?
The poverty rate in Alcester city is 12.1%. This means approximately 112 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Alcester city, South Dakota?
Alcester city's population is 82.1% White, 0.4% Black, 1.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Alcester city, SD?
The median home value in Alcester city is $114,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x.
How educated is Alcester city, South Dakota?
15.9% of adults (25+) in Alcester city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.