Selby city, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Selby city, South Dakota has a total population of 642, the 129th largest city in South Dakota, with a median household income of $40,882, which is 44% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 44% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate of 10.1% is notably above the national average.
Selby city Quick Facts
How Selby 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+)
Selby city Rankings in South Dakota
Explore South Dakota Rankings
Other Cities in Walworth County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobridge city | 2,928 | $61,556 | 20.2% | $122,000 |
| Glenham town | 119 | $56,250 | 10.1% | $76,900 |
| Java town | 99 | $46,250 | 17.2% | $57,500 |
| Akaska town | 79 | $41,705 | 6.3% | $91,700 |
| Lowry town | 1 | N/A | 0.0% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Selby city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burke city | 645 | $45,192 | $127,900 | 17.1% | 13.2% |
| St. Francis town | 631 | $45,417 | N/A | 38.0% | 41.5% |
| Wanblee CDP | 744 | N/A | N/A | 13.5% | 42.6% |
| Parmelee CDP | 637 | $30,859 | N/A | 7.1% | 79.8% |
| Big Stone City city | 609 | $50,333 | $122,500 | 8.2% | 18.9% |
Population Overview
Selby city is a small community located in South Dakota, within Walworth County. The total population is 642. It ranks as the 129th most populous out of 439 cities and towns in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Selby city is 41.7 years. This is 11% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. 21.0% 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 Selby city is $40,882. This is 44% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 48% lower. The poverty rate stands at 6.8%. This is 44% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 10.1%. This is 238% higher than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $104,800. Housing costs are 56% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Selby city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 76.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% higher than the state average of 68.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Selby city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 82.5% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.3%.
Education
13.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 56% 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 76.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Selby 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 Selby city, South Dakota?
Selby city, South Dakota has a population of 642 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Selby city, SD?
The median household income in Selby city is $40,882, which is 48% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Selby city, SD?
The poverty rate in Selby city is 6.8%. This means approximately 37 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Selby city, South Dakota?
Selby city's population is 82.5% White, 2.3% Black, 3.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Selby city, SD?
The median home value in Selby city is $104,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is Selby city, South Dakota?
13.6% of adults (25+) in Selby city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.