Belle Fourche, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,804
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,071/yr
8.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,625
3.4% year-over-year change

Belle Fourche population

How many people live in Belle Fourche

Belle Fourche is home to 5,804 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Belle Fourche locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
5,804
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
2,856
Female
50.8%
2,948
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,856 49.2% -1.5%
Female 2,948 50.8% 3.7%
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 Belle Fourche is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.1% are children under 15, then 15.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.2% of the population, while another 23.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.1%
15 to 24
15.1%
25 to 44
24.2%
45 to 64
23.3%
Over 65
19.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,052 18.1% -4.5%
15 to 24 876 15.1% 10.2%
25 to 44 1,407 24.2% -6.0%
45 to 64 1,352 23.3% 4.7%
Over 65 1,117 19.2% 5.7%
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 Belle Fourche, 97.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 6.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.4%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,658 97.5% 0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 139 2.4% 76.0%
Non-citizens 7 0.1% 40.0%
Racial breakdown
White
91.1%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
6.8%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 5,289 91.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 36 0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 16 0.3%
Two or more races 392 6.8%
Other 71 1.2%

Households in Belle Fourche

A peek inside Belle Fourche households

Belle Fourche has 2,455 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.1% are families, while the remaining 37.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,455
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
931
Family households
1,524
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 931 37.9% -11.5%
Family households 1,524 62.1% 12.5%
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 Belle Fourche

The housing landscape of Belle Fourche

Belle Fourche's housing consists of 2,625 units, with 57.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 15.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,625
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,509 57.5%
1 unit, attached 193 7.4%
2 units 80 3%
3 or 4 units 69 2.6%
5 to 9 units 88 3.4%
10 to 19 units 142 5.4%
20 to 49 units 56 2.1%
50 or more units 59 2.2%
Mobile home 410 15.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 19 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
24
14.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Belle Fourche

In Belle Fourche, the median construction year is 1978. About 15.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 407 15.5% -19.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 140 5.3% 77.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 270 10.3% 1.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 166 6.3% -27.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 389 14.8% 14.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 335 12.8% -20.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 236 9% 67.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 431 16.4% 22.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 227 8.6% 22.0%
Built in 2020 or later 24 0.9% 14.3%
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.

Belle Fourche occupancy rates

Out of the 2,455 occupied housing units in Belle Fourche, 65.5% are owner-occupied, while 34.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,455
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
847
Owner occupied
1,608
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 847 34.5% 28.1%
Owner occupied 1,608 65.5% -7.9%
Unoccupied housing units
6.5%
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.

Belle Fourche housing costs

Housing costs in Belle Fourche come to a median of $1,098 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $983.

Median housing costs per month
$1,098/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 Belle Fourche
$983/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 Belle Fourche

Belle Fourche education at a glance

About 47% of the population in Belle Fourche went to high school, while 18.7% pursued college studies. Another 12.1% earned an associate degree and 14.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 218 5% 11.2%
High school diploma 2,068 47% 5.7%
College diploma 825 18.7% -5.5%
Associate degree 531 12.1% -13.1%
Bachelor's degree 626 14.2% 15.1%
Graduate degree 136 3.1% -0.7%
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 Belle Fourche

How much people earn in Belle Fourche

The average annual household income in Belle Fourche was $88,227 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,071, reflecting a +8.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Belle Fourche
$88,227/year
6.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Belle Fourche
$65,071/year
8.6% year-over-year change

Belle Fourche income by age

In Belle Fourche, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $84,855. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $65,380 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $58,750, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,338 in earnings. Overall, 89.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $58,750 6.0%
25 - 44 $84,855 5.3%
45 - 64 $65,380 12.9%
Over 65 $43,338 -0.0%
Above poverty level
5,010
Below poverty level
603
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,010 89.3% -2.0%
Below poverty level 603 10.7% 51.5%

Average renter income in Belle Fourche

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Belle Fourche, their median household income was $32,105 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 36.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$32,105
Rent-to-income ratio
36.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Belle Fourche

Workforce and job types in Belle Fourche

The job market in Belle Fourche is powered by 3,035 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.3% run their own businesses, 55.5% are employed by private companies, and 21.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,035
4.7% year-over-year change
White collar
2,248
Blue collar
787
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,248 74.1% 9.4%
Blue collar 787 25.9% -6.8%
Employer type
Self employees
13.3%
Private companies
55.5%
Governmental workers
21.5%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 404 13.3% 0.2%
Private companies 1,685 55.5% 8.5%
Governmental workers 653 21.5% -3.5%
Not for profit companies 293 9.6% 10.2%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
-59.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Belle Fourche stands at 2.6%, 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 Belle Fourche

How people get around in Belle Fourche

Commuting methods vary: 93.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 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 2,754 93.3% 10.7%
Bus or trolleybus 14 0.5% 27.3%
Walk 31 1% -73.3%
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 Belle Fourche by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
57717 8,983 3,647 $77,689 $96,815

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FAQs about Belle Fourche demographics 

What is the total population of Belle Fourche?

Belle Fourche has a total population of 5,804 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 +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Belle Fourche?

The gender ratio in Belle Fourche is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (2,856 residents)
  • 50.8% females (2,948 residents)

What is the median age in Belle Fourche?

The median age in Belle Fourche is 38.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Belle Fourche?

The age distribution in Belle Fourche is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.1% (1,052 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.1% (876 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.2% (1,407 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.3% (1,352 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.2% (1,117 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Belle Fourche?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Belle Fourche is as follows:
  • White: 91.1% (5,289 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (36 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (16 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.8% (392 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (71 residents)

What percentage of the population in Belle Fourche are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.5% of the population in Belle Fourche.

How many housing units are there in Belle Fourche?

There are 2,625 housing units in Belle Fourche, reflecting a +3.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Belle Fourche and what is the average household size?

Belle Fourche has a total of 2,455 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Belle Fourche?

Belle Fourche has a median household income of $65,071, representing a +8.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Belle Fourche?

The employment rate is 97.4% in Belle Fourche, with a workforce of 3,035 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.1% (2,248 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.9% (787 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.3% (404 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.5% (1,685 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.5% (653 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (293 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