Rapid Valley, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,975
-2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,208/yr
-2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,192
-3.5% year-over-year change

Rapid Valley population

How many people live in Rapid Valley

Rapid Valley is home to 6,975 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.8% of Rapid Valley locals are male, and 46.2% are female.

Total population
6,975
-2.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.8%
3,750
Female
46.2%
3,225
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,750 53.8% -5.6%
Female 3,225 46.2% 1.4%
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 Rapid Valley is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.8% are children under 15, then 13.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 28.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.8%
15 to 24
13.2%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
28.5%
Over 65
18.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,032 14.8% 2.4%
15 to 24 923 13.2% -3.5%
25 to 44 1,742 25% -11.8%
45 to 64 1,986 28.5% -3.1%
Over 65 1,292 18.5% 10.9%
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 Rapid Valley, 93% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 76.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 3.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.8%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,489 93% -4.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 337 4.8% 41.6%
Non-citizens 149 2.1% 50.5%
Racial breakdown
White
76.6%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.7%
Asian
3.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.7%
Other
3.2%
Value Percent
White 5,345 76.6%
Black or African American 84 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 257 3.7%
Asian 252 3.6%
Two or more races 815 11.7%
Other 222 3.2%

Households in Rapid Valley

A peek inside Rapid Valley households

Rapid Valley has 3,170 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.7% are families, while the remaining 45.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,170
-2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,437
Family households
1,733
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,437 45.3% 2.9%
Family households 1,733 54.7% -6.6%
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 Rapid Valley

The housing landscape of Rapid Valley

Rapid Valley's housing consists of 3,192 units, with 80.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.5% 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 11% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,192
-3.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,578 80.8%
1 unit, attached 111 3.5%
3 or 4 units 12 0.4%
5 to 9 units 115 3.6%
20 to 49 units 24 0.8%
Mobile home 352 11%
Homes built since 2020
45
15.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rapid Valley

In Rapid Valley, the median construction year is 1988. About 2.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.4% 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, 9.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 83 2.6% -33.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 204 6.4% 19.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 185 5.8% 8.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 103 3.2% 13.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 666 20.9% -9.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 427 13.4% -21.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 377 11.8% -11.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 788 24.7% 15.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 314 9.8% -2.8%
Built in 2020 or later 45 1.4% 15.4%
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.

Rapid Valley occupancy rates

Out of the 3,170 occupied housing units in Rapid Valley, 92.3% are owner-occupied, while 7.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 0.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,170
-2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
243
Owner occupied
2,927
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 243 7.7% 77.4%
Owner occupied 2,927 92.3% -6.1%
Unoccupied housing units
0.7%
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.

Rapid Valley housing costs

Housing costs in Rapid Valley come to a median of $1,121 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,174.

Median housing costs per month
$1,121/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 Rapid Valley
$1,174/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 Rapid Valley

Rapid Valley education at a glance

About 33.9% of the population in Rapid Valley went to high school, while 23.6% pursued college studies. Another 20.4% earned an associate degree and 13.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 182 3.2% -11.2%
High school diploma 1,925 33.9% -10.0%
College diploma 1,339 23.6% 2.5%
Associate degree 1,158 20.4% 2.2%
Bachelor's degree 756 13.3% -3.6%
Graduate degree 315 5.6% 2.3%
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 Rapid Valley

How much people earn in Rapid Valley

The average annual household income in Rapid Valley was $89,476 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,208, reflecting a -2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rapid Valley
$89,476/year
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rapid Valley
$83,208/year
-2.4% year-over-year change

Rapid Valley income by age

In Rapid Valley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $92,721. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $88,750 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $59,282, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $78,358 in earnings. Overall, 95.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $59,282 6.2%
25 - 44 $92,721 -0.5%
45 - 64 $88,750 2.5%
Over 65 $78,358 4.0%
Above poverty level
6,542
Below poverty level
309
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,542 95.5% -0.8%
Below poverty level 309 4.5% -36.5%

Average renter income in Rapid Valley

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Rapid Valley, their median household income was $45,313 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$45,313
Rent-to-income ratio
31.1%
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 Rapid Valley

Workforce and job types in Rapid Valley

The job market in Rapid Valley is powered by 3,868 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 63.9% are employed by private companies, and 17.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,868
-3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
2,721
Blue collar
1,147
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,721 70.4% -5.8%
Blue collar 1,147 29.6% 2.6%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
63.9%
Governmental workers
17.4%
Not for profit companies
11.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 272 7% -13.4%
Private companies 2,473 63.9% -4.0%
Governmental workers 671 17.4% -0.1%
Not for profit companies 452 11.7% 2.0%
Unemployment rate
4.3%
23.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rapid Valley stands at 4.3%, 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 Rapid Valley

How people get around in Rapid Valley

Commuting methods vary: 85.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% 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 3,406 85.8% -6.2%
Motorcycle 84 2.1% 9.1%
Walk 77 1.9% -9.4%
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.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Rapid Valley demographics 

What is the total population of Rapid Valley?

Rapid Valley has a total population of 6,975 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 -2.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rapid Valley?

The gender ratio in Rapid Valley is as follows:
  • 53.8% males (3,750 residents)
  • 46.2% females (3,225 residents)

What is the median age in Rapid Valley?

The median age in Rapid Valley is 43.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rapid Valley?

The age distribution in Rapid Valley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.8% (1,032 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.2% (923 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (1,742 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.5% (1,986 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.5% (1,292 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rapid Valley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rapid Valley is as follows:
  • White: 76.6% (5,345 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (84 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.7% (257 residents)
  • Asian: 3.6% (252 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.7% (815 residents)
  • Other: 3.2% (222 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93% of the population in Rapid Valley.

How many housing units are there in Rapid Valley?

There are 3,192 housing units in Rapid Valley, reflecting a -3.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rapid Valley has a total of 3,170 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rapid Valley?

Rapid Valley has a median household income of $83,208, representing a -2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rapid Valley?

The employment rate is 95.7% in Rapid Valley, with a workforce of 3,868 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.4% (2,721 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.6% (1,147 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (272 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.9% (2,473 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.4% (671 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.7% (452 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