Bonesteel city, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Bonesteel city, South Dakota has a total population of 301, the 197th largest city in South Dakota, with a median household income of $40,750, which is 44% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 31.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 44% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (31.9%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.6x.
Bonesteel city Quick Facts
How Bonesteel 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+)
Bonesteel city Rankings in South Dakota
Explore South Dakota Rankings
Other Cities in Gregory County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gregory city | 1,330 | $47,629 | 9.3% | $105,600 |
| Burke city | 645 | $45,192 | 13.2% | $127,900 |
| Fairfax town | 143 | $66,875 | 17.5% | $62,000 |
| Dallas town | 102 | $62,813 | 2.9% | $77,100 |
Cities Similar to Bonesteel city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roscoe city | 294 | $42,500 | $74,400 | 19.0% | 28.6% |
| Faith city | 327 | $39,583 | $124,400 | 20.2% | 20.5% |
| Soldier Creek CDP | 271 | N/A | N/A | 9.3% | 91.9% |
| Spring Creek CDP | 337 | $40,278 | N/A | 0.0% | 72.4% |
| Hermosa town | 296 | $53,194 | $108,800 | 6.5% | 14.9% |
Population Overview
Bonesteel city is a small community located in South Dakota, within Gregory County. The total population is 301. It ranks as the 197th most populous out of 439 cities and towns in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Bonesteel city is 42.8 years. This is 14% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. With 31.2% of the population under 18, Bonesteel city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community. 16.6% 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 Bonesteel city is $40,750. This is 44% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 48% lower. The poverty rate stands at 31.9%. This is 165% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 5.3%. This is 77% higher than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $65,000. Housing costs are 73% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.6x, Bonesteel city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 68.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Bonesteel city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 66.1% of the population.
Education
13.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 56% 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 96.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Bonesteel 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 Bonesteel city, South Dakota?
Bonesteel city, South Dakota has a population of 301 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Bonesteel city, SD?
The median household income in Bonesteel city is $40,750, which is 48% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Bonesteel city, SD?
The poverty rate in Bonesteel city is 31.9%. This means approximately 93 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Bonesteel city, South Dakota?
Bonesteel city's population is 66.1% White, 0.0% Black, 0.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Bonesteel city, SD?
The median home value in Bonesteel city is $65,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x.
How educated is Bonesteel city, South Dakota?
13.8% of adults (25+) in Bonesteel city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.