Mellette city, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Mellette city, South Dakota has a total population of 144, the 268th largest city in South Dakota, with a median household income of $104,375, which is 44% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 12.5%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 44% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in South Dakota.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.5x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%.
Mellette city Quick Facts
How Mellette 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+)
Mellette city Rankings in South Dakota
Explore South Dakota Rankings
Other Cities in Spink County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redfield city | 2,230 | $60,586 | 7.3% | $117,000 |
| Doland city | 237 | $62,604 | 11.8% | $52,600 |
| Tulare town | 206 | $59,375 | 13.1% | $77,700 |
| Ashton city | 171 | $63,125 | 0.0% | $40,700 |
| Northville town | 154 | $118,750 | 0.0% | $150,000 |
| Frankfort city | 142 | $61,875 | 8.5% | $54,600 |
| Conde city | 122 | $70,156 | 7.4% | $53,300 |
| Brentford town | 84 | N/A | 23.8% | N/A |
| Turton town | 43 | $46,875 | 9.3% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Mellette city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corn Creek CDP | 147 | N/A | N/A | 0.0% | 93.9% |
| Okreek CDP | 157 | N/A | N/A | 16.7% | 23.6% |
| Hazel town | 132 | $104,375 | $175,000 | 16.4% | 0.8% |
| Volin town | 135 | $110,060 | $108,900 | 11.6% | 2.2% |
| Burbank CDP | 159 | N/A | $58,200 | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Population Overview
Mellette city is a small community located in South Dakota, within Spink County. The total population is 144. It ranks as the 268th most populous out of 439 cities and towns in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Mellette city is 49.0 years. This is 30% higher than the state median of 37.7 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Mellette city is $104,375. This is 44% higher than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 33% higher. The poverty rate stands at 12.5%. This is 4% higher 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 $151,400. Housing costs are 36% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.5x, Mellette city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 88.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 28% higher than the state average of 68.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Mellette city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 97.2% of all residents.
Education
21.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 30% 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 97.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Mellette 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 Mellette city, South Dakota?
Mellette city, South Dakota has a population of 144 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Mellette city, SD?
The median household income in Mellette city is $104,375, which is 33% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Mellette city, SD?
The poverty rate in Mellette city is 12.5%. This means approximately 18 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Mellette city, South Dakota?
Mellette city's population is 97.2% White, 0.0% Black, 0.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Mellette city, SD?
The median home value in Mellette city is $151,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x.
How educated is Mellette city, South Dakota?
21.8% of adults (25+) in Mellette city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.