Wagner city, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Wagner city, South Dakota has a total population of 1,555, the 52nd largest city in South Dakota, with a median household income of $47,137, which is 35% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 15.2%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 35% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Wagner city Quick Facts
How Wagner city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 33 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Wagner city Rankings in South Dakota
Explore South Dakota Rankings
Other Cities in Charles Mix County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platte city | 1,310 | $71,641 | 16.2% | $165,700 |
| Lake Andes city | 934 | $45,714 | 34.6% | $46,700 |
| Pickstown town | 254 | $94,375 | 11.4% | $271,400 |
| Geddes city | 141 | $61,250 | 5.7% | $81,800 |
| Dante town | 130 | $110,417 | 7.7% | $141,700 |
Cities Similar to Wagner city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle CDP | 1,495 | N/A | N/A | 9.0% | 52.8% |
| Oglala CDP | 1,601 | $43,274 | $42,200 | 8.0% | 41.8% |
| Eagle Butte city | 1,492 | $53,558 | $51,500 | 13.3% | 31.8% |
| Freeman city | 1,558 | $60,114 | $171,300 | 19.5% | 17.9% |
| Gregory city | 1,330 | $47,629 | $105,600 | 18.9% | 9.3% |
Population Overview
Wagner city is a small community located in South Dakota, within Charles Mix County. The total population is 1,555. It ranks as the 52nd most populous out of 439 cities and towns in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Wagner city is 38.8 years. This is 3% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. With 28.5% of the population under 18, Wagner city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community. 13.6% 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 Wagner city is $47,137. This is 35% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 40% lower. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%. This is 27% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 6.3%. This is 110% higher than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $129,200. Housing costs are 45% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Wagner city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 59.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% lower than the state average of 68.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Wagner city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 48.6% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.9%. The Black or African American population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 2.2%.
Education
19.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 37% 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 87.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Wagner 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 Wagner city, South Dakota?
Wagner city, South Dakota has a population of 1,555 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Wagner city, SD?
The median household income in Wagner city is $47,137, which is 40% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Wagner city, SD?
The poverty rate in Wagner city is 15.2%. This means approximately 221 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Wagner city, South Dakota?
Wagner city's population is 48.6% White, 0.3% Black, 6.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Wagner city, SD?
The median home value in Wagner city is $129,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x.
How educated is Wagner city, South Dakota?
19.7% of adults (25+) in Wagner city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.