Mission, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Mission, South Dakota had a total population of 1,539, the 52nd largest city in South Dakota. The poverty rate is 44.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (44.0%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Unemployment rate of 26.5% is notably above the national average.
Mission Quick Facts
How Mission Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,380 | 1,539 | +11.5% |
| Median home value | $56,900 | $65,900 | +15.8% |
How Mission Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 35 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Mission Rankings in South Dakota
Explore South Dakota Rankings
Other Cities in Todd County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosebud | 1,659 | $55,135 | 38.2% | $81,300 |
| Antelope | 706 | $20,786 | 72.2% | N/A |
| St. Francis | 593 | $42,083 | 34.1% | N/A |
| Parmelee | 584 | N/A | 84.9% | N/A |
| Spring Creek | 330 | N/A | 93.3% | N/A |
| Two Strike | 257 | $24,315 | 49.4% | N/A |
| Sicangu Village | 245 | N/A | 55.5% | N/A |
| White Horse | 238 | $39,609 | 9.7% | $9,999 |
| Soldier Creek | 201 | $2,499 | 84.6% | N/A |
| Okreek | 195 | N/A | 66.1% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Mission
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wagner | 1,529 | $47,462 | $136,000 | 22.6% | 15.7% |
| Freeman | 1,565 | $57,440 | $164,200 | 19.3% | 20.9% |
| Baltic | 1,502 | $107,768 | $254,200 | 24.7% | 1.2% |
| North Eagle Butte | 1,481 | $34,358 | $33,100 | 10.0% | 52.6% |
| Eagle Butte | 1,458 | $45,741 | $65,900 | 15.3% | 31.8% |
Population Overview
Mission is a small community located in South Dakota, within Todd County. The total population is 1,539. It ranks as the 52nd most populous out of 439 Census-designated places in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Mission is 24.9 years. This is 34% lower than the state median of 38.0 years. With 37.4% of the population under 18, Mission has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The poverty rate stands at 44.0%. This is 269% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.9%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 26.5%. This is 804% higher than the state rate of 2.9%. The median home value is $65,900. Housing costs are 74% lower than the state median of $257,400. 49.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 28% lower than the state average of 68.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Mission is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.1%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (11.9%) is well below the state average of 79.8%. The Black or African American population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 2.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 4.8%.
Education
14.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 53% lower than the state rate of 31.9%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 83.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Mission, South Dakota is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. 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. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Mission, South Dakota?
Mission, South Dakota has a population of 1,539 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Mission, SD?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median household income estimate for Mission — the community is too small for the ACS sample. The national median is $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Mission, SD?
The poverty rate in Mission is 44.0%. This means approximately 676 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Mission, South Dakota?
Mission's population is 11.9% White, 0.3% Black, 1.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Mission, SD?
The median home value in Mission is $65,900.
How educated is Mission, South Dakota?
14.9% of adults (25+) in Mission hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.