Dakota Dunes, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,936
-4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$136,125/yr
10.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,519
-1.8% year-over-year change

Dakota Dunes population

How many people live in Dakota Dunes

Dakota Dunes is home to 3,936 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.1% of Dakota Dunes locals are male, and 46.9% are female.

Total population
3,936
-4.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.1%
2,089
Female
46.9%
1,847
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,089 53.1% -5.3%
Female 1,847 46.9% -4.0%
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 Dakota Dunes is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.4% are children under 15, then 13.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.4% of the population, while another 25.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.4%
15 to 24
13.4%
25 to 44
20.4%
45 to 64
25.6%
Over 65
19.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 842 21.4% -4.4%
15 to 24 527 13.4% -10.5%
25 to 44 802 20.4% -1.0%
45 to 64 1,009 25.6% -5.5%
Over 65 756 19.2% -3.2%
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 Dakota Dunes, 98.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 7.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,894 98.9% -3.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 18 0.5% -79.1%
Non-citizens 24 0.6% -14.3%
Racial breakdown
White
92.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.1%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 3,633 92.3%
Two or more races 279 7.1%
Other 24 0.6%

Households in Dakota Dunes

A peek inside Dakota Dunes households

Dakota Dunes has 1,519 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 82.6% are families, while the remaining 17.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,519
-0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
265
Family households
1,254
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 265 17.4% -10.5%
Family households 1,254 82.6% 2.4%
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 Dakota Dunes

The housing landscape of Dakota Dunes

Dakota Dunes's housing consists of 1,519 units, with 67% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,519
-1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,017 67%
1 unit, attached 58 3.8%
3 or 4 units 47 3.1%
5 to 9 units 50 3.3%
20 to 49 units 197 13%
50 or more units 138 9.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 12 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dakota Dunes

In Dakota Dunes, the median construction year is 2003. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 70 4.6% 18.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 12 0.8% -25.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 47 3.1% -9.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 86 5.7% 43.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 389 25.6% -3.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 501 33% -8.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 414 27.2% 1.5%
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.

Dakota Dunes occupancy rates

Out of the 1,519 occupied housing units in Dakota Dunes, 67% are owner-occupied, while 33% are lived in by tenants.

Occupied housing units
1,519
-0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
502
Owner occupied
1,017
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 502 33% -1.6%
Owner occupied 1,017 67% 0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
0.0%
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.

Dakota Dunes housing costs

Housing costs in Dakota Dunes come to a median of $1,387 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,225.

Median housing costs per month
$1,387/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 Dakota Dunes
$1,225/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 Dakota Dunes

Dakota Dunes education at a glance

About 13.8% of the population in Dakota Dunes went to high school, while 18.6% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 40.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 12 0.4% -20.0%
High school diploma 398 13.8% -31.7%
College diploma 537 18.6% 29.1%
Associate degree 197 6.8% 23.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,161 40.1% -2.9%
Graduate degree 589 20.4% -8.7%
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 Dakota Dunes

How much people earn in Dakota Dunes

The average annual household income in Dakota Dunes was $199,084 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $136,125, reflecting a +10.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dakota Dunes
$199,084/year
11.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dakota Dunes
$136,125/year
10.3% year-over-year change

Dakota Dunes income by age

In Dakota Dunes, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $179,297. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $176,489 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $91,357, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $64,079 in earnings. Overall, 97.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $91,357 2.9%
25 - 44 $179,297 3.0%
45 - 64 $176,489 7.3%
Over 65 $64,079 9.7%
Above poverty level
3,787
Below poverty level
93
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,787 97.6% -2.1%
Below poverty level 93 2.4% -53.3%

Average renter income in Dakota Dunes

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Dakota Dunes, their median household income was $69,306 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$69,306
Rent-to-income ratio
21.2%
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 Dakota Dunes

Workforce and job types in Dakota Dunes

The job market in Dakota Dunes is powered by 1,970 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.4% run their own businesses, 63.9% are employed by private companies, and 8.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,970
4.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,716
Blue collar
254
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,716 87.1% -0.3%
Blue collar 254 12.9% 48.5%
Employer type
Self employees
15.4%
Private companies
63.9%
Governmental workers
8.3%
Not for profit companies
12.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 303 15.4% 12.6%
Private companies 1,258 63.9% -0.7%
Governmental workers 163 8.3% -5.8%
Not for profit companies 246 12.5% 34.4%
Unemployment rate
3.4%
-7.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dakota Dunes stands at 3.4%, 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 Dakota Dunes

How people get around in Dakota Dunes

Commuting methods vary: 88.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% 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 1,710 88.3% -0.9%
Walk 24 1.2% 20.0%
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.

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FAQs about Dakota Dunes demographics 

What is the total population of Dakota Dunes?

Dakota Dunes has a total population of 3,936 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 -4.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dakota Dunes?

The gender ratio in Dakota Dunes is as follows:
  • 53.1% males (2,089 residents)
  • 46.9% females (1,847 residents)

What is the median age in Dakota Dunes?

The median age in Dakota Dunes is 42.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dakota Dunes?

The age distribution in Dakota Dunes is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.4% (842 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.4% (527 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.4% (802 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.6% (1,009 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.2% (756 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dakota Dunes?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dakota Dunes is as follows:
  • White: 92.3% (3,633 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: 7.1% (279 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (24 residents)

What percentage of the population in Dakota Dunes are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.9% of the population in Dakota Dunes.

How many housing units are there in Dakota Dunes?

There are 1,519 housing units in Dakota Dunes, reflecting a -1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Dakota Dunes and what is the average household size?

Dakota Dunes has a total of 1,519 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dakota Dunes?

Dakota Dunes has a median household income of $136,125, representing a +10.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Dakota Dunes?

The employment rate is 96.6% in Dakota Dunes, with a workforce of 1,970 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.1% (1,716 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.9% (254 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.4% (303 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.9% (1,258 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.3% (163 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.5% (246 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