Lead city, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Lead city, South Dakota has a total population of 2,997, the 27th largest city in South Dakota, with a median household income of $57,348, which is 21% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.3%.
Key Takeaways
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%.
Lead city Quick Facts
How Lead 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+)
Lead city Rankings in South Dakota
Explore South Dakota Rankings
Other Cities in Lawrence County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spearfish city | 12,551 | $59,731 | 15.2% | $309,200 |
| Deadwood city | 1,319 | $52,679 | 2.8% | $227,000 |
| Whitewood city | 746 | $67,250 | 7.3% | $214,200 |
| Central City city | 122 | $45,208 | 5.7% | $187,500 |
Cities Similar to Lead city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobridge city | 2,928 | $61,556 | $122,000 | 31.5% | 20.2% |
| Canton city | 3,060 | $65,500 | $191,000 | 19.5% | 6.6% |
| Winner city | 2,900 | $47,132 | $124,000 | 17.2% | 24.8% |
| North Sioux City city | 3,018 | $76,481 | $234,500 | 27.8% | 13.5% |
| Blackhawk CDP | 2,805 | $69,934 | $243,700 | 15.9% | 3.8% |
Population Overview
Lead city is a small community located in South Dakota, within Lawrence County. The total population is 2,997. It ranks as the 27th most populous out of 439 cities and towns in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Lead city is 52.1 years. This is 38% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. 12.0% 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 Lead city is $57,348. This is 21% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 27% lower. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%. This is 39% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 0.0%. This is 100% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $192,800. Housing costs are 19% lower than the state median of $236,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x. 70.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 2% higher than the state average of 68.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Lead city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.7%) is well below the state average of 4.6%.
Education
19.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 36% 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 95.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Lead 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 Lead city, South Dakota?
Lead city, South Dakota has a population of 2,997 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lead city, SD?
The median household income in Lead city is $57,348, which is 27% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Lead city, SD?
The poverty rate in Lead city is 7.3%. This means approximately 218 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Lead city, South Dakota?
Lead city's population is 95.2% White, 0.0% Black, 1.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Lead city, SD?
The median home value in Lead city is $192,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
How educated is Lead city, South Dakota?
19.8% of adults (25+) in Lead city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.