Lead, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,006
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,047/yr
27.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,679
-6.5% year-over-year change

Lead population

How many people live in Lead

Lead is home to 3,006 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Lead locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
3,006
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
1,500
Female
50.1%
1,506
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,500 49.9% 14.2%
Female 1,506 50.1% -10.6%
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 Lead is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 10% are children under 15, then 11.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.5% of the population, while another 24.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
46.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
10%
15 to 24
11.5%
25 to 44
26.5%
45 to 64
24.8%
Over 65
27.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 300 10% -13.0%
15 to 24 345 11.5% 39.7%
25 to 44 796 26.5% -3.0%
45 to 64 747 24.8% -2.2%
Over 65 818 27.2% -0.2%
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 Lead, 96.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 4.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.8%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,891 96.2% -1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 115 3.8% 76.9%
Racial breakdown
White
92.8%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.9%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 2,788 92.8%
Black or African American 7 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 31 1%
Two or more races 147 4.9%
Other 33 1.1%

Households in Lead

A peek inside Lead households

Lead has 1,345 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.8% are families, while the remaining 46.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,345
-7.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
622
Family households
723
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 622 46.2% -14.3%
Family households 723 53.8% -0.7%
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 Lead

The housing landscape of Lead

Lead's housing consists of 1,679 units, with 74.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% 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 1.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,679
-6.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,246 74.2%
1 unit, attached 11 0.7%
2 units 116 6.9%
3 or 4 units 183 10.9%
5 to 9 units 14 0.8%
20 to 49 units 77 4.6%
Mobile home 32 1.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lead

In Lead, the median construction year is 1938. About 64.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.8% going up by 1949. 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 1,078 64.2% -14.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 114 6.8% 128.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 169 10.1% 32.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 44 2.6% -18.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 115 6.8% -9.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 25 1.5% -28.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 48 2.9% -25.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 40 2.4% 5.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 46 2.7% 0.0%
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.

Lead occupancy rates

Out of the 1,345 occupied housing units in Lead, 70.3% are owner-occupied, while 29.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,345
-7.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
399
Owner occupied
946
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 399 29.7% -7.8%
Owner occupied 946 70.3% -7.3%
Unoccupied housing units
19.9%
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.

Lead housing costs

Housing costs in Lead come to a median of $815 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $835.

Median housing costs per month
$815/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 Lead
$835/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 Lead

Lead education at a glance

About 41.9% of the population in Lead went to high school, while 26.7% pursued college studies. Another 10.3% earned an associate degree and 13.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 55 2.2% 37.5%
High school diploma 1,075 41.9% -0.2%
College diploma 684 26.7% 12.9%
Associate degree 264 10.3% -20.0%
Bachelor's degree 347 13.5% -4.9%
Graduate degree 138 5.4% 24.3%
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 Lead

How much people earn in Lead

The average annual household income in Lead was $87,081 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +17.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,047, reflecting a +27.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lead
$87,081/year
17.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lead
$73,047/year
27.4% year-over-year change

Lead income by age

In Lead, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,297. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $78,000 overall. Overall, 92.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $74,297 -0.2%
45 - 64 $78,000 5.2%
Over 65 $55,577 25.7%
Above poverty level
2,724
Below poverty level
222
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,724 92.5% -1.1%
Below poverty level 222 7.5% 1.8%

Average renter income in Lead

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lead, their median household income was $41,292 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 24.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$41,292
Rent-to-income ratio
24.3%
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 Lead

Workforce and job types in Lead

The job market in Lead is powered by 1,780 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.4% run their own businesses, 67.1% are employed by private companies, and 22.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,780
6.7% year-over-year change
White collar
1,472
Blue collar
308
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,472 82.7% 8.3%
Blue collar 308 17.3% -0.7%
Employer type
Self employees
2.4%
Private companies
67.1%
Governmental workers
22.5%
Not for profit companies
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 42 2.4% -68.4%
Private companies 1,195 67.1% 10.2%
Governmental workers 401 22.5% 32.8%
Not for profit companies 142 8% -5.3%

Transportation in Lead

How people get around in Lead

Commuting methods vary: 94.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% 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 1,674 94.5% 8.2%
Bus or trolleybus 39 2.2% -44.3%
Motorcycle 14 0.8% 55.6%
Walk 9 0.5% 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 Lead by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
57754 3,749 1,723 $66,250 $84,425

Explore more communities

FAQs about Lead demographics 

What is the total population of Lead?

Lead has a total population of 3,006 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lead?

The gender ratio in Lead is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (1,500 residents)
  • 50.1% females (1,506 residents)

What is the median age in Lead?

The median age in Lead is 46.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lead?

The age distribution in Lead is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10% (300 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.5% (345 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.5% (796 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.8% (747 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.2% (818 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lead?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lead is as follows:
  • White: 92.8% (2,788 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (7 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (31 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.9% (147 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (33 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.2% of the population in Lead.

How many housing units are there in Lead?

There are 1,679 housing units in Lead, reflecting a -6.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lead has a total of 1,345 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lead?

Lead has a median household income of $73,047, representing a +27.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Lead?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.7% (1,472 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.3% (308 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.4% (42 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.1% (1,195 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.5% (401 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8% (142 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