Black Hills, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
237,207
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,125/yr
15.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
107,283
1.7% year-over-year change

Black Hills population

How many people live in Black Hills

Black Hills is home to 237,207 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.7% of Black Hills locals are male, and 49.3% are female.

Total population
237,207
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.7%
120,193
Female
49.3%
117,014
Value Percent YoY change
Male 120,193 50.7% 1.4%
Female 117,014 49.3% 0.8%
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 Black Hills is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.4% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
24.4%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
19.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 44,085 18.6% -0.9%
15 to 24 30,379 12.8% -0.9%
25 to 44 57,936 24.4% 2.0%
45 to 64 57,571 24.3% 0.3%
Over 65 47,237 19.9% 4.2%
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 Black Hills, 97% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74.1% of locals are Caucasian, 0.9% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. Another 14.9% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 230,180 97% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,651 2% 2.6%
Non-citizens 2,376 1% 16.9%
Racial breakdown
White
74.1%
Black or African American
0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
14.9%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
7.8%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 175,767 74.1%
Black or African American 2,181 0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 35,363 14.9%
Asian 2,319 1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 138 0.1%
Two or more races 18,595 7.8%
Other 2,844 1.2%

Households in Black Hills

A peek inside Black Hills households

Black Hills has 93,923 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 63.3% are families, while the remaining 36.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
93,923
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
34,461
Family households
59,462
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 34,461 36.7% -0.3%
Family households 59,462 63.3% 3.9%
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 Black Hills

The housing landscape of Black Hills

Black Hills's housing consists of 107,283 units, with 65.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.8% 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 11.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
107,283
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 70,266 65.5%
1 unit, attached 5,181 4.8%
2 units 1,861 1.7%
3 or 4 units 3,088 2.9%
5 to 9 units 2,910 2.7%
10 to 19 units 4,457 4.2%
20 to 49 units 3,880 3.6%
50 or more units 2,582 2.4%
Mobile home 12,787 11.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 271 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
2,744
85.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Black Hills

In Black Hills, the median construction year is 1978. About 10.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 11,295 10.5% -1.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,746 3.5% 10.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 10,002 9.3% -2.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 7,162 6.7% -4.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 18,010 16.8% -1.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 11,635 10.8% -2.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 12,750 11.9% -0.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 16,859 15.7% 0.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 13,080 12.2% 11.3%
Built in 2020 or later 2,744 2.6% 85.0%
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.

Black Hills occupancy rates

Out of the 93,923 occupied housing units in Black Hills, 69.4% are owner-occupied, while 30.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
93,923
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
28,705
Owner occupied
65,218
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 28,705 30.6% 2.2%
Owner occupied 65,218 69.4% 2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
12.5%
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.

Black Hills housing costs

Housing costs in Black Hills come to a median of $724 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $824.

Median housing costs per month
$724/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 Black Hills
$824/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 Black Hills

Black Hills education at a glance

About 36.1% of the population in Black Hills went to high school, while 23.4% pursued college studies. Another 10.8% earned an associate degree and 18.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,377 2.4% 10.0%
High school diploma 66,171 36.1% 0.4%
College diploma 42,917 23.4% -0.6%
Associate degree 19,820 10.8% 1.6%
Bachelor's degree 33,565 18.3% 3.1%
Graduate degree 16,661 9.1% 7.4%
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 Black Hills

How much people earn in Black Hills

The average annual household income in Black Hills was $92,270 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,125, reflecting a +15.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Black Hills
$92,270/year
5.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Black Hills
$68,125/year
15.4% year-over-year change

Black Hills income by age

In Black Hills, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $77,814. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $81,042 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,833, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $55,293 in earnings. Overall, 84.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,833 7.8%
25 - 44 $77,814 15.6%
45 - 64 $81,042 1.3%
Over 65 $55,293 6.9%
Above poverty level
192,638
Below poverty level
35,576
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 192,638 84.4% 1.6%
Below poverty level 35,576 15.6% -1.1%

Employment in Black Hills

Workforce and job types in Black Hills

76.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.2% run their own businesses, 57.1% are employed by private companies, and 19.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
84,524
Blue collar
25,761
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 84,524 76.6% 0.8%
Blue collar 25,761 23.4% 2.2%
Employer type
Self employees
13.2%
Private companies
57.1%
Governmental workers
19.1%
Not for profit companies
10.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 14,582 13.2% -1.8%
Private companies 62,957 57.1% 2.6%
Governmental workers 21,022 19.1% -2.5%
Not for profit companies 11,724 10.6% 3.4%

Transportation in Black Hills

How people get around in Black Hills

In Black Hills, the average commute time is 473 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 94.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
473 min
7.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 95,253 94.9% 1.7%
Taxicab 7 0% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 408 0.4% -11.5%
Motorcycle 433 0.4% 21.3%
Bicycle 553 0.6% 11.3%
Walk 3,701 3.7% 2.5%
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 Black Hills by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
57521 314 65 $57,813 $120,195
57531 153 56 $60,625 $62,309
57543 721 277 $36,250 $51,714
57547 383 111 $78,523 $107,132
57551 2,084 666 $70,096 $69,403
57552 642 250 $63,500 $89,364
57553 162 84 $0 $116,195
57555 3,740 1,203 $40,694 $61,025
57559 735 254 $66,818 $86,024
57560 391 135 $0 $21,587

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FAQs about Black Hills demographics 

What is the total population of Black Hills?

Black Hills has a total population of 237,207 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 Black Hills?

The gender ratio in Black Hills is as follows:
  • 50.7% males (120,193 residents)
  • 49.3% females (117,014 residents)

What is the median age in Black Hills?

The median age in Black Hills is 41.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Black Hills?

The age distribution in Black Hills is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (44,085 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (30,379 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.4% (57,936 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (57,571 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.9% (47,237 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Black Hills?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Black Hills is as follows:
  • White: 74.1% (175,767 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.9% (2,181 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 14.9% (35,363 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (2,319 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (138 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.8% (18,595 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (2,844 residents)

What percentage of the population in Black Hills are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97% of the population in Black Hills.

How many housing units are there in Black Hills?

There are 107,283 housing units in Black Hills, reflecting a +1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Black Hills and what is the average household size?

Black Hills has a total of 93,923 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Black Hills?

Black Hills has a median household income of $68,125, representing a +15.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Black Hills?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.6% (84,524 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.4% (25,761 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.2% (14,582 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.1% (62,957 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.1% (21,022 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.6% (11,724 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