Jefferson city, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Jefferson city, South Dakota has a total population of 717, the 113th largest city in South Dakota, with a median household income of $81,149, which is 12% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 3.2%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 3.2% — among the lowest in South Dakota.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x.
- Unemployment rate of 10.0% is notably above the national average.
Jefferson city Quick Facts
How Jefferson 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+)
Jefferson 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 |
| Alcester city | 987 | $58,661 | 12.1% | $114,400 |
Cities Similar to Jefferson 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% |
| Wanblee CDP | 744 | N/A | N/A | 13.5% | 42.6% |
| Hill City city | 699 | $85,714 | $246,700 | 27.1% | 3.9% |
| Alexandria city | 725 | $92,500 | $168,300 | 30.7% | 1.8% |
| Castlewood city | 756 | $87,768 | $178,600 | 25.7% | 3.0% |
Population Overview
Jefferson city is a small community located in South Dakota, within Union County. The total population is 717. It ranks as the 113th most populous out of 439 cities and towns in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Jefferson city is 34.0 years. This is 10% lower than the state median of 37.7 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Jefferson city is $81,149. This is 12% higher than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 3% higher. The poverty rate stands at 3.2%. This is 73% 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 10.0%. This is 232% higher than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $177,900. Housing costs are 25% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x, Jefferson city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 86.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 26% higher than the state average of 68.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Jefferson city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.4%.
Education
24.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 20% 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 94.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Jefferson 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 Jefferson city, South Dakota?
Jefferson city, South Dakota has a population of 717 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Jefferson city, SD?
The median household income in Jefferson city is $81,149, which is 3% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Jefferson city, SD?
The poverty rate in Jefferson city is 3.2%. This means approximately 23 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Jefferson city, South Dakota?
Jefferson city's population is 90.2% White, 0.0% Black, 6.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Jefferson city, SD?
The median home value in Jefferson city is $177,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x.
How educated is Jefferson city, South Dakota?
24.8% of adults (25+) in Jefferson city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.