Box Elder, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,902
3.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,008/yr
-0.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,149
7.7% year-over-year change

Box Elder population

How many people live in Box Elder

Box Elder is home to 12,902 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Box Elder locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
12,902
3.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
6,380
Female
50.6%
6,522
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,380 49.4% -0.1%
Female 6,522 50.6% 7.5%
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 Box Elder is 29, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.8% are children under 15, then 16.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.8% of the population, while another 18.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 7.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
28.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.8%
15 to 24
16.2%
25 to 44
32.8%
45 to 64
18.7%
Over 65
7.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,204 24.8% -1.4%
15 to 24 2,097 16.2% -3.3%
25 to 44 4,227 32.8% 7.0%
45 to 64 2,411 18.7% 2.8%
Over 65 963 7.5% 30.0%
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 Box Elder, 95.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73.4% of locals are Caucasian, 3.6% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. Another 9.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.5%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,320 95.5% 5.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 446 3.5% -10.6%
Non-citizens 136 1% -37.9%
Racial breakdown
White
73.4%
Black or African American
3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
9.1%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
11.8%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 9,477 73.4%
Black or African American 462 3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,173 9.1%
Asian 148 1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 14 0.1%
Two or more races 1,527 11.8%
Other 101 0.8%

Households in Box Elder

A peek inside Box Elder households

Box Elder has 4,679 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74.6% are families, while the remaining 25.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,679
8.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,190
Family households
3,489
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,190 25.4% -0.5%
Family households 3,489 74.6% 12.0%
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 Box Elder

The housing landscape of Box Elder

Box Elder's housing consists of 5,149 units, with 41.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 21.5% 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 16.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,149
7.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,138 41.5%
1 unit, attached 1,108 21.5%
2 units 21 0.4%
3 or 4 units 224 4.4%
5 to 9 units 347 6.7%
10 to 19 units 185 3.6%
20 to 49 units 181 3.5%
50 or more units 32 0.6%
Mobile home 829 16.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 84 1.6%
Homes built since 2020
257
102.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Box Elder

In Box Elder, the median construction year is 2004. About 0.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 24.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 29.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 40 0.8% -13.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 45 0.9% 25.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 97 1.9% 11.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 179 3.5% -8.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 625 12.1% 43.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 522 10.1% 0.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 586 11.4% -1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,274 24.7% -20.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,524 29.6% 34.0%
Built in 2020 or later 257 5% 102.4%
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.

Box Elder occupancy rates

Out of the 4,679 occupied housing units in Box Elder, 48.2% are owner-occupied, while 51.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,679
8.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,422
Owner occupied
2,257
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,422 51.8% 9.4%
Owner occupied 2,257 48.2% 7.6%
Unoccupied housing units
9.1%
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.

Box Elder housing costs

Housing costs in Box Elder come to a median of $1,566 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,491.

Median housing costs per month
$1,566/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 Box Elder
$1,491/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 Box Elder

Box Elder education at a glance

About 39% of the population in Box Elder went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 12.5% earned an associate degree and 16.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 192 2% 60.0%
High school diploma 3,678 39% 12.2%
College diploma 2,188 23.2% 2.8%
Associate degree 1,178 12.5% -9.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,588 16.8% -0.5%
Graduate degree 608 6.4% 9.8%
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 Box Elder

How much people earn in Box Elder

The average annual household income in Box Elder was $87,520 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,008, reflecting a -0.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Box Elder
$87,520/year
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Box Elder
$73,008/year
-0.9% year-over-year change

Box Elder income by age

In Box Elder, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,084. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $77,311 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $45,863, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,727 in earnings. Overall, 92.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $45,863 15.4%
25 - 44 $85,084 6.0%
45 - 64 $77,311 -6.5%
Over 65 $47,727 -4.0%
Above poverty level
11,193
Below poverty level
931
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 11,193 92.3% 3.3%
Below poverty level 931 7.7% 4.3%

Average renter income in Box Elder

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Box Elder, their median household income was $61,265 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$61,265
Rent-to-income ratio
29.2%
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 Box Elder

Workforce and job types in Box Elder

The job market in Box Elder is powered by 5,693 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.2% run their own businesses, 65.7% are employed by private companies, and 17.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,693
-2.1% year-over-year change
White collar
4,313
Blue collar
1,380
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,313 75.8% -3.3%
Blue collar 1,380 24.2% 1.9%
Employer type
Self employees
5.2%
Private companies
65.7%
Governmental workers
17.1%
Not for profit companies
12%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 295 5.2% -26.2%
Private companies 3,740 65.7% 4.2%
Governmental workers 975 17.1% -25.3%
Not for profit companies 683 12% 30.6%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
31.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Box Elder stands at 4.9%, 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 Box Elder

How people get around in Box Elder

Commuting methods vary: 88.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% 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 6,287 88.6% 1.6%
Bus or trolleybus 57 0.8% 46.1%
Motorcycle 56 0.8% -41.0%
Bicycle 19 0.3% N/A
Walk 142 2% 65.1%
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 Box Elder by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
57719 12,221 4,547 $74,885 $88,639

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FAQs about Box Elder demographics 

What is the total population of Box Elder?

Box Elder has a total population of 12,902 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 +3.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Box Elder?

The gender ratio in Box Elder is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (6,380 residents)
  • 50.6% females (6,522 residents)

What is the median age in Box Elder?

The median age in Box Elder is 28.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Box Elder?

The age distribution in Box Elder is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.8% (3,204 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.2% (2,097 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.8% (4,227 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.7% (2,411 residents)
  • Over 65: 7.5% (963 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Box Elder?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Box Elder is as follows:
  • White: 73.4% (9,477 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.6% (462 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 9.1% (1,173 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (148 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (14 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.8% (1,527 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (101 residents)

What percentage of the population in Box Elder are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.5% of the population in Box Elder.

How many housing units are there in Box Elder?

There are 5,149 housing units in Box Elder, reflecting a +7.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Box Elder and what is the average household size?

Box Elder has a total of 4,679 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Box Elder?

Box Elder has a median household income of $73,008, representing a -0.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Box Elder?

The employment rate is 95.1% in Box Elder, with a workforce of 5,693 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.8% (4,313 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.2% (1,380 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.2% (295 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.7% (3,740 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.1% (975 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12% (683 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