Wagner, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Wagner, South Dakota had a total population of 1,529, the 53rd largest city in South Dakota, with a median household income of $47,462, which is 37% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 15.7%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 37% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Wagner Quick Facts
How Wagner 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 | 1,555 | 1,529 | -1.7% |
| Median household income | $47,137 | $47,462 | +0.7% |
| Median home value | $129,200 | $136,000 | +5.3% |
How Wagner 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
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 35 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Wagner Rankings in South Dakota
Explore South Dakota Rankings
Other Cities in Charles Mix County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platte | 1,161 | $72,700 | 14.7% | $179,200 |
| Lake Andes | 901 | $47,500 | 36.2% | $58,800 |
| Marty | 305 | $18,693 | 77.4% | N/A |
| Pickstown | 275 | $87,188 | 12.0% | $287,500 |
| Geddes | 158 | $60,000 | 3.8% | $88,100 |
| Dante | 120 | $106,250 | 5.8% | $170,800 |
| Clearfield Colony | 106 | N/A | 100.0% | N/A |
| Ravinia | 45 | $19,688 | 46.7% | $77,500 |
Cities Similar to Wagner
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mission | 1,539 | N/A | $65,900 | 14.9% | 44.0% |
| Eagle Butte | 1,458 | $45,741 | $65,900 | 15.3% | 31.8% |
| Freeman | 1,565 | $57,440 | $164,200 | 19.3% | 20.9% |
| Gregory | 1,379 | $51,450 | $115,300 | 18.6% | 7.3% |
| Rosebud | 1,659 | $55,135 | $81,300 | 14.7% | 38.2% |
Population Overview
Wagner is a small community located in South Dakota, within Charles Mix County. The total population is 1,529. It ranks as the 53rd most populous out of 439 Census-designated places in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Wagner is 34.3 years. This is 10% lower than the state median of 38.0 years. With 29.8% of the population under 18, Wagner has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community. 11.3% 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 is $47,462. This is 37% lower than the state median of $75,081. It is also 41% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 15.7%. This is 32% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.9%. The unemployment rate is 8.0%. This is 172% higher than the state rate of 2.9%. The median home value is $136,000. Housing costs are 47% lower than the state median of $257,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Wagner is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 55.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 19% lower than the state average of 68.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Wagner is White (non-Hispanic), making up 45.6% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 7.4%. The Black or African American population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (7.4% vs 4.8%).
Education
22.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 29% 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 88.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Wagner, 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 Wagner, South Dakota?
Wagner, South Dakota has a population of 1,529 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Wagner, SD?
The median household income in Wagner is $47,462, which is 41% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Wagner, SD?
The poverty rate in Wagner is 15.7%. This means approximately 227 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Wagner, South Dakota?
Wagner's population is 45.6% White, 0.4% Black, 7.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Wagner, SD?
The median home value in Wagner is $136,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Wagner, South Dakota?
22.6% of adults (25+) in Wagner hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.