Bridgewater city, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Bridgewater city, South Dakota has a total population of 456, the 157th largest city in South Dakota, with a median household income of $38,500, which is 47% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 11.7%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 47% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.3x.
Bridgewater city Quick Facts
How Bridgewater 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+)
Bridgewater city Rankings in South Dakota
Explore South Dakota Rankings
Other Cities in McCook County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem city | 1,201 | $71,655 | 6.3% | $163,500 |
| Canistota city | 664 | $61,979 | 10.9% | $112,200 |
| Montrose city | 514 | $86,000 | 3.7% | $216,700 |
| Spencer city | 126 | $57,917 | 0.0% | $137,500 |
Cities Similar to Bridgewater city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kadoka city | 427 | $36,786 | N/A | 9.4% | 15.3% |
| Waubay city | 425 | $36,635 | $105,000 | 27.2% | 9.2% |
| West Brule CDP | 482 | $34,167 | N/A | 0.5% | 51.9% |
| Two Strike CDP | 398 | N/A | N/A | 7.5% | 57.3% |
| Philip city | 491 | $43,750 | $102,800 | 14.1% | 22.2% |
Population Overview
Bridgewater city is a small community located in South Dakota, within McCook County. The total population is 456. It ranks as the 157th most populous out of 439 cities and towns in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Bridgewater city is 42.6 years. This is 13% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. 16.7% 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 Bridgewater city is $38,500. This is 47% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 51% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%. This is 3% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 4.7%. This is 58% higher than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $86,900. Housing costs are 63% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.3x, Bridgewater city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 78.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 68.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Bridgewater city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 92.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.4%.
Education
16.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 47% 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 90.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater city, South Dakota?
Bridgewater city, South Dakota has a population of 456 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Bridgewater city, SD?
The median household income in Bridgewater city is $38,500, which is 51% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Bridgewater city, SD?
The poverty rate in Bridgewater city is 11.7%. This means approximately 48 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Bridgewater city, South Dakota?
Bridgewater city's population is 92.3% White, 0.0% Black, 4.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Bridgewater city, SD?
The median home value in Bridgewater city is $86,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x.
How educated is Bridgewater city, South Dakota?
16.4% of adults (25+) in Bridgewater city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.