Spearfish, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,930
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,688/yr
10.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,494
4.1% year-over-year change

Spearfish population

How many people live in Spearfish

Spearfish is home to 12,930 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.1% of Spearfish locals are male, and 51.9% are female.

Total population
12,930
3.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.1%
6,224
Female
51.9%
6,706
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,224 48.1% 2.2%
Female 6,706 51.9% 3.8%
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 Spearfish is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.3% are children under 15, then 17.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.4% of the population, while another 22.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
40
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.3%
15 to 24
17.3%
25 to 44
24.4%
45 to 64
22.4%
Over 65
20.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,975 15.3% 3.8%
15 to 24 2,232 17.3% -7.4%
25 to 44 3,157 24.4% 6.0%
45 to 64 2,890 22.4% 14.2%
Over 65 2,676 20.7% -1.9%
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 Spearfish, 97.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 88.5% of locals are Caucasian, 0.5% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. Another 3.5% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.9%
Non-citizens
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,561 97.2% 2.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 251 1.9% 55.9%
Non-citizens 118 0.9% 16.8%
Racial breakdown
White
88.5%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.5%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
5.1%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 11,439 88.5%
Black or African American 63 0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 455 3.5%
Asian 76 0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 22 0.2%
Two or more races 662 5.1%
Other 213 1.6%

Households in Spearfish

A peek inside Spearfish households

Spearfish has 5,932 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 45% are families, while the remaining 55% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,932
2.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,265
Family households
2,667
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,265 55% 2.0%
Family households 2,667 45% 3.6%
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 Spearfish

The housing landscape of Spearfish

Spearfish's housing consists of 6,494 units, with 43.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.6% 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 9.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,494
4.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,818 43.4%
1 unit, attached 625 9.6%
2 units 124 1.9%
3 or 4 units 377 5.8%
5 to 9 units 182 2.8%
10 to 19 units 871 13.4%
20 to 49 units 580 8.9%
50 or more units 272 4.2%
Mobile home 645 9.9%
Homes built since 2020
190
216.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Spearfish

In Spearfish, the median construction year is 1992. About 10.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 660 10.2% 10.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 37 0.6% -57.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 613 9.4% -4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 326 5% -0.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 601 9.2% -11.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 838 12.9% 11.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 838 12.9% 3.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,153 17.8% 3.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,238 19.1% 5.6%
Built in 2020 or later 190 2.9% 216.7%
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.

Spearfish occupancy rates

Out of the 5,932 occupied housing units in Spearfish, 49.6% are owner-occupied, while 50.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,932
2.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,987
Owner occupied
2,945
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,987 50.4% 0.1%
Owner occupied 2,945 49.6% 5.5%
Unoccupied housing units
8.7%
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.

Spearfish housing costs

Housing costs in Spearfish come to a median of $1,010 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $963.

Median housing costs per month
$1,010/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 Spearfish
$963/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 Spearfish

Spearfish education at a glance

About 29% of the population in Spearfish went to high school, while 26.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 21.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 124 1.2% -18.9%
High school diploma 3,059 29% 14.4%
College diploma 2,812 26.6% -7.6%
Associate degree 904 8.6% 24.0%
Bachelor's degree 2,233 21.2% -9.7%
Graduate degree 1,422 13.5% 20.4%
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 Spearfish

How much people earn in Spearfish

The average annual household income in Spearfish was $89,843 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,688, reflecting a +10% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Spearfish
$89,843/year
3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Spearfish
$65,688/year
10.0% year-over-year change

Spearfish income by age

In Spearfish, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,436. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $87,921 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,979, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $57,813 in earnings. Overall, 85.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,979 65.9%
25 - 44 $65,436 4.0%
45 - 64 $87,921 5.8%
Over 65 $57,813 -1.2%
Above poverty level
10,285
Below poverty level
1,791
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,285 85.2% 3.6%
Below poverty level 1,791 14.8% 2.9%

Average renter income in Spearfish

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Spearfish, their median household income was $44,700 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$44,700
Rent-to-income ratio
25.9%
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 Spearfish

Workforce and job types in Spearfish

The job market in Spearfish is powered by 6,868 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.5% run their own businesses, 63.9% are employed by private companies, and 17.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,868
3.0% year-over-year change
White collar
5,657
Blue collar
1,211
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,657 82.4% 1.6%
Blue collar 1,211 17.6% 9.5%
Employer type
Self employees
9.5%
Private companies
63.9%
Governmental workers
17.3%
Not for profit companies
9.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 653 9.5% -7.0%
Private companies 4,389 63.9% 5.9%
Governmental workers 1,188 17.3% 4.1%
Not for profit companies 638 9.3% -6.7%
Unemployment rate
2.2%
-12.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Spearfish stands at 2.2%, 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 Spearfish

How people get around in Spearfish

Commuting methods vary: 84.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.3% 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 5,718 84.3% -0.5%
Bus or trolleybus 89 1.3% -5.3%
Walk 493 7.3% 24.5%
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 Spearfish by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
57783 17,248 7,849 $74,844 $98,631
57799 568 0 $0 $0

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FAQs about Spearfish demographics 

What is the total population of Spearfish?

Spearfish has a total population of 12,930 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 +3.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Spearfish?

The gender ratio in Spearfish is as follows:
  • 48.1% males (6,224 residents)
  • 51.9% females (6,706 residents)

What is the median age in Spearfish?

The median age in Spearfish is 40.

What is the age distribution of the population in Spearfish?

The age distribution in Spearfish is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.3% (1,975 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.3% (2,232 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.4% (3,157 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.4% (2,890 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.7% (2,676 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Spearfish?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Spearfish is as follows:
  • White: 88.5% (11,439 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (63 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.5% (455 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (76 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (22 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.1% (662 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (213 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.2% of the population in Spearfish.

How many housing units are there in Spearfish?

There are 6,494 housing units in Spearfish, reflecting a +4.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Spearfish has a total of 5,932 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Spearfish?

Spearfish has a median household income of $65,688, representing a +10.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Spearfish?

The employment rate is 97.8% in Spearfish, with a workforce of 6,868 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.4% (5,657 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.6% (1,211 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.5% (653 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.9% (4,389 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.3% (1,188 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.3% (638 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