Gary city, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Gary city, South Dakota has a total population of 227, the 226th largest city in South Dakota, with a median household income of $49,375, which is 32% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 32% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Only 9.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.0%.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.5x.
- Unemployment rate of 8.4% is notably above the national average.
Gary city Quick Facts
How Gary 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+)
Gary city Rankings in South Dakota
Explore South Dakota Rankings
Other Cities in Deuel County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Lake city | 1,333 | $65,398 | 8.2% | $144,400 |
| Toronto town | 272 | $53,750 | 2.9% | $90,000 |
| Astoria town | 160 | $46,667 | 16.3% | $103,400 |
| Brandt town | 100 | $58,036 | 8.0% | N/A |
| Goodwin town | 94 | $54,750 | 14.9% | $175,000 |
| Herrick town | 54 | $45,500 | 0.0% | N/A |
| Altamont town | 34 | N/A | 0.0% | $263,900 |
Cities Similar to Gary city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Effington town | 236 | $48,558 | $56,700 | 4.7% | 18.8% |
| Sinai town | 220 | $52,188 | $91,500 | 21.3% | 1.4% |
| South Shore town | 232 | $56,667 | $82,800 | 13.8% | 26.3% |
| Bristol city | 245 | $51,250 | $61,700 | 13.3% | 11.9% |
| Eden town | 206 | N/A | N/A | 38.4% | 1.5% |
Population Overview
Gary city is a small community located in South Dakota, within Deuel County. The total population is 227. It ranks as the 226th most populous out of 439 cities and towns in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Gary city is 60.3 years. This is 60% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. Only 11.9% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 17.6% 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 Gary city is $49,375. This is 32% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 37% lower. The poverty rate stands at 8.8%. This is 27% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 8.4%. This is 180% higher than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $72,500. Housing costs are 69% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.5x, Gary city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 77.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% higher than the state average of 68.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Gary city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.5%.
Education
9.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 70% 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 89.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Gary 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 Gary city, South Dakota?
Gary city, South Dakota has a population of 227 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Gary city, SD?
The median household income in Gary city is $49,375, which is 37% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Gary city, SD?
The poverty rate in Gary city is 8.8%. This means approximately 20 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Gary city, South Dakota?
Gary city's population is 93.0% White, 0.0% Black, 3.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Gary city, SD?
The median home value in Gary city is $72,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x.
How educated is Gary city, South Dakota?
9.2% of adults (25+) in Gary city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.