Rapid City, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,328
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,021/yr
11.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
944
5.8% year-over-year change

Rapid City population

How many people live in Rapid City

Rapid City is home to 1,328 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51% of Rapid City locals are male, and 49% are female.

Total population
1,328
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51%
678
Female
49%
650
Value Percent YoY change
Male 678 51% -0.6%
Female 650 49% 2.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Rapid City is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.8% are children under 15, then 9.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.1% of the population, while another 30.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
50.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.8%
15 to 24
9.7%
25 to 44
22.1%
45 to 64
30.9%
Over 65
25.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 157 11.8% -11.3%
15 to 24 129 9.7% 33.0%
25 to 44 294 22.1% 21.0%
45 to 64 410 30.9% 8.2%
Over 65 338 25.4% -19.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Rapid City, 98.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 4.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,310 98.6% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 18 1.4% 157.1%
Racial breakdown
White
95.1%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.3%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 1,263 95.1%
Two or more races 57 4.3%
Other 8 0.6%

Households in Rapid City

A peek inside Rapid City households

Rapid City has 632 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 70.2% are families, while the remaining 29.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
632
4.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
188
Family households
444
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 188 29.8% -1.1%
Family households 444 70.2% 6.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Rapid City

The housing landscape of Rapid City

Rapid City's housing consists of 944 units, with 84.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 15.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
944
5.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 801 84.8%
Mobile home 143 15.2%
Homes built since 2020
8
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rapid City

In Rapid City, the median construction year is 1978. About 6.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 58 6.1% 23.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14 1.5% -44.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 53 5.6% 8.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 149 15.8% 67.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 234 24.8% -2.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 136 14.4% -29.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 141 14.9% 5.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 147 15.6% 34.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4 0.4% -20.0%
Built in 2020 or later 8 0.8% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Rapid City occupancy rates

Out of the 632 occupied housing units in Rapid City, 84.8% are owner-occupied, while 15.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 33.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
632
4.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
96
Owner occupied
536
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 96 15.2% 15.7%
Owner occupied 536 84.8% 2.1%
Unoccupied housing units
33.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Rapid City housing costs

Housing costs in Rapid City come to a median of $931 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $969.

Median housing costs per month
$931/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Rapid City
$969/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Rapid City

Rapid City education at a glance

About 46.8% of the population in Rapid City went to high school, while 30.6% pursued college studies. Another 5.6% earned an associate degree and 7.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 28 2.6% -6.7%
High school diploma 513 46.8% -1.9%
College diploma 336 30.6% -0.9%
Associate degree 61 5.6% 22.0%
Bachelor's degree 79 7.2% 16.2%
Graduate degree 80 7.3% 1.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Rapid City

How much people earn in Rapid City

The average annual household income in Rapid City was $81,566 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +19% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,021, reflecting a +11.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rapid City
$81,566/year
19.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rapid City
$73,021/year
11.6% year-over-year change

Rapid City income by age

In Rapid City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,333. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,152 overall. Overall, 87.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $68,333 34.7%
45 - 64 $74,152 17.5%
Over 65 $80,625 14.0%
Above poverty level
1,147
Below poverty level
168
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,147 87.2% 1.1%
Below poverty level 168 12.8% -5.1%

Employment in Rapid City

Workforce and job types in Rapid City

The job market in Rapid City is powered by 573 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.2% run their own businesses, 69.1% are employed by private companies, and 11.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
573
11.3% year-over-year change
White collar
382
Blue collar
191
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 382 66.7% 12.0%
Blue collar 191 33.3% 9.8%
Employer type
Self employees
18.2%
Private companies
69.1%
Governmental workers
11.5%
Not for profit companies
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 104 18.2% 5.0%
Private companies 396 69.1% 2.6%
Governmental workers 66 11.5% 120.0%
Not for profit companies 7 1.2% N/A
Unemployment rate
5.1%
-31.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rapid City stands at 5.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Rapid City

How people get around in Rapid City

Commuting methods vary: 93.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 508 93.9% 10.4%
Walk 6 1.1% N/A
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Rapid City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49676 3,620 1,579 $75,781 $100,471

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FAQs about Rapid City demographics 

What is the total population of Rapid City?

Rapid City has a total population of 1,328 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rapid City?

The gender ratio in Rapid City is as follows:
  • 51% males (678 residents)
  • 49% females (650 residents)

What is the median age in Rapid City?

The median age in Rapid City is 50.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rapid City?

The age distribution in Rapid City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.8% (157 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.7% (129 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.1% (294 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.9% (410 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.4% (338 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rapid City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rapid City is as follows:
  • White: 95.1% (1,263 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.3% (57 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (8 residents)

What percentage of the population in Rapid City are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.6% of the population in Rapid City.

How many housing units are there in Rapid City?

There are 944 housing units in Rapid City, reflecting a +5.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Rapid City and what is the average household size?

Rapid City has a total of 632 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rapid City?

Rapid City has a median household income of $73,021, representing a +11.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rapid City?

The employment rate is 94.9% in Rapid City, with a workforce of 573 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.7% (382 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.3% (191 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.2% (104 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.1% (396 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.5% (66 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.2% (7 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025