Yankton city, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Yankton city, South Dakota has a total population of 15,501, the 7th largest city in South Dakota, with a median household income of $69,071, which is 5% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 10.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%.
Yankton city Quick Facts
How Yankton 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+)
Yankton city Rankings in South Dakota
Explore South Dakota Rankings
Other Cities in Yankton County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irene city | 521 | $59,091 | 15.0% | $87,100 |
| Gayville town | 378 | $85,000 | 2.4% | $98,800 |
| Mission Hill town | 182 | $71,250 | 1.7% | $111,500 |
| Volin town | 135 | $110,060 | 2.2% | $108,900 |
| Lesterville town | 92 | $76,250 | 5.4% | $76,000 |
| Utica town | 54 | $49,167 | 3.7% | $56,000 |
Cities Similar to Yankton city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell city | 15,637 | $56,374 | $182,000 | 25.7% | 14.1% |
| Pierre city | 14,008 | $74,053 | $219,500 | 34.8% | 10.3% |
| Huron city | 14,347 | $51,556 | $164,700 | 27.0% | 16.4% |
| Box Elder city | 12,457 | $73,698 | $271,800 | 29.8% | 7.4% |
| Spearfish city | 12,551 | $59,731 | $309,200 | 43.6% | 15.2% |
Population Overview
Yankton city is a small city located in South Dakota, within Yankton County. The total population is 15,501. It ranks as the 7th most populous out of 439 cities and towns in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Yankton city is 41.8 years. This is 11% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. 10.3% 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 Yankton city is $69,071. This is 5% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 12% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.9%. This is 9% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 2.1%. This is 31% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $202,300. Housing costs are 15% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Yankton city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 66.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% lower than the state average of 68.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Yankton city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.0%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 1.4%.
Education
30.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 3% 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 93.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Yankton 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.
Free data download: Get all South Dakota city and county demographics as CSV. Download Cities CSV | Download Counties CSV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Yankton city, South Dakota?
Yankton city, South Dakota has a population of 15,501 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Yankton city, SD?
The median household income in Yankton city is $69,071, which is 12% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Yankton city, SD?
The poverty rate in Yankton city is 10.9%. This means approximately 1,576 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Yankton city, South Dakota?
Yankton city's population is 85.3% White, 2.1% Black, 6.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Yankton city, SD?
The median home value in Yankton city is $202,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Yankton city, South Dakota?
30.2% of adults (25+) in Yankton city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.