Hill City city, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Hill City city, South Dakota has a total population of 699, the 116th largest city in South Dakota, with a median household income of $85,714, which is 18% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 3.9%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 3.9% — among the lowest in South Dakota.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%.
Hill City city Quick Facts
How Hill City 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+)
Hill City city Rankings in South Dakota
Explore South Dakota Rankings
Other Cities in Pennington County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City city | 76,836 | $65,712 | 13.3% | $270,000 |
| Box Elder city | 12,457 | $73,698 | 7.4% | $271,800 |
| New Underwood city | 538 | $54,167 | 23.5% | $188,700 |
| Keystone town | 404 | $62,159 | 11.1% | $188,800 |
| Hermosa town | 296 | $53,194 | 14.9% | $108,800 |
| Fairview town | 95 | $69,464 | 17.9% | $129,200 |
| Wasta town | 77 | $45,000 | 7.8% | $111,500 |
| Quinn town | 76 | $95,795 | 0.0% | $104,200 |
Cities Similar to Hill City city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White River city | 712 | $80,625 | $59,800 | 18.3% | 31.4% |
| Jefferson city | 717 | $81,149 | $177,900 | 24.8% | 3.2% |
| Wanblee CDP | 744 | N/A | N/A | 13.5% | 42.6% |
| Alexandria city | 725 | $92,500 | $168,300 | 30.7% | 1.8% |
| Blucksberg Mountain CDP | 683 | $95,658 | $347,200 | 26.8% | 4.7% |
Population Overview
Hill City city is a small community located in South Dakota, within Pennington County. The total population is 699. It ranks as the 116th most populous out of 439 cities and towns in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Hill City city is 34.9 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 37.7 years. With 30.0% of the population under 18, Hill City city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Hill City city is $85,714. This is 18% higher than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 9% higher. The poverty rate stands at 3.9%. This is 68% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 0.0%. This is 100% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $246,700. Housing costs are 4% higher than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Hill City city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 81.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 19% higher than the state average of 68.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Hill City city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 78.4% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 13.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (13.2% vs 4.6%).
Education
27.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 13% 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 95.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Hill City 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 Hill City city, South Dakota?
Hill City city, South Dakota has a population of 699 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Hill City city, SD?
The median household income in Hill City city is $85,714, which is 9% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Hill City city, SD?
The poverty rate in Hill City city is 3.9%. This means approximately 27 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Hill City city, South Dakota?
Hill City city's population is 78.4% White, 0.0% Black, 13.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Hill City city, SD?
The median home value in Hill City city is $246,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Hill City city, South Dakota?
27.1% of adults (25+) in Hill City city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.