Yankton, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
15,540
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,804/yr
-1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,208
-0.3% year-over-year change

Yankton population

How many people live in Yankton

Yankton is home to 15,540 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Yankton locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
15,540
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
7,780
Female
49.9%
7,760
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,780 50.1% -0.5%
Female 7,760 49.9% 1.0%
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 Yankton is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.1% are children under 15, then 14.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.1% of the population, while another 23.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.1%
15 to 24
14.5%
25 to 44
23.1%
45 to 64
23.2%
Over 65
22%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,654 17.1% 8.4%
15 to 24 2,259 14.5% -2.7%
25 to 44 3,592 23.1% -1.2%
45 to 64 3,609 23.2% -2.4%
Over 65 3,426 22% 0.9%
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 Yankton, 96.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.1% of locals are Caucasian, 2.2% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
2.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,974 96.4% 1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 132 0.8% -31.2%
Non-citizens 434 2.8% -11.1%
Racial breakdown
White
86.1%
Black or African American
2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.4%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.3%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 13,380 86.1%
Black or African American 347 2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 520 3.4%
Asian 64 0.4%
Two or more races 1,136 7.3%
Other 93 0.6%

Households in Yankton

A peek inside Yankton households

Yankton has 6,638 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.3% are families, while the remaining 48.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,638
-2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,234
Family households
3,404
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,234 48.7% -5.4%
Family households 3,404 51.3% 0.3%
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 Yankton

The housing landscape of Yankton

Yankton's housing consists of 7,208 units, with 65.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.3% 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 0.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,208
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,690 65.1%
1 unit, attached 457 6.3%
2 units 251 3.5%
3 or 4 units 215 3%
5 to 9 units 131 1.8%
10 to 19 units 462 6.4%
20 to 49 units 638 8.8%
50 or more units 299 4.2%
Mobile home 65 0.9%
Homes built since 2020
35
169.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Yankton

In Yankton, the median construction year is 1976. About 10.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 749 10.4% -4.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 384 5.3% 7.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 935 13% -4.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 758 10.5% -12.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,218 16.9% 1.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 582 8.1% -10.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,107 15.4% 13.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 698 9.7% 0.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 742 10.3% 5.1%
Built in 2020 or later 35 0.5% 169.2%
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.

Yankton occupancy rates

Out of the 6,638 occupied housing units in Yankton, 66.3% are owner-occupied, while 33.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,638
-2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,239
Owner occupied
4,399
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,239 33.7% -1.5%
Owner occupied 4,399 66.3% -3.1%
Unoccupied housing units
7.9%
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.

Yankton housing costs

Housing costs in Yankton come to a median of $912 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $790.

Median housing costs per month
$912/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 Yankton
$790/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 Yankton

Yankton education at a glance

About 37.7% of the population in Yankton went to high school, while 19.1% pursued college studies. Another 10.6% earned an associate degree and 20.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 238 1.9% -17.9%
High school diploma 4,623 37.7% -0.2%
College diploma 2,342 19.1% -9.6%
Associate degree 1,298 10.6% -8.8%
Bachelor's degree 2,508 20.5% 9.4%
Graduate degree 1,244 10.2% 5.4%
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 Yankton

How much people earn in Yankton

The average annual household income in Yankton was $91,804 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,804, reflecting a -1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Yankton
$91,804/year
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Yankton
$67,804/year
-1.8% year-over-year change

Yankton income by age

In Yankton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,125. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $87,407 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,048, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $55,400 in earnings. Overall, 85.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,048 -12.6%
25 - 44 $82,125 11.5%
45 - 64 $87,407 -6.0%
Over 65 $55,400 11.8%
Above poverty level
12,262
Below poverty level
2,034
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,262 85.8% -3.9%
Below poverty level 2,034 14.2% 29.1%

Average renter income in Yankton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Yankton, their median household income was $42,974 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 22.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$42,974
Rent-to-income ratio
22.1%
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 Yankton

Workforce and job types in Yankton

The job market in Yankton is powered by 7,690 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.1% run their own businesses, 62.6% are employed by private companies, and 15.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,690
0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
5,596
Blue collar
2,094
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,596 72.8% 3.5%
Blue collar 2,094 27.2% -7.5%
Employer type
Self employees
8.1%
Private companies
62.6%
Governmental workers
15.4%
Not for profit companies
13.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 624 8.1% 38.7%
Private companies 4,818 62.6% -3.9%
Governmental workers 1,185 15.4% 3.5%
Not for profit companies 1,063 13.8% 0.1%
Unemployment rate
2.0%
-0.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Yankton stands at 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 Yankton

How people get around in Yankton

Commuting methods vary: 86.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.2% 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 6,466 86.7% -2.6%
Bus or trolleybus 83 1.1% 36.1%
Subway or elevated 116 1.6% N/A
Bicycle 31 0.4% 93.8%
Walk 317 4.2% -7.6%
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 Yankton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
57078 20,383 8,406 $71,268 $96,054

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FAQs about Yankton demographics 

What is the total population of Yankton?

Yankton has a total population of 15,540 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Yankton?

The gender ratio in Yankton is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (7,780 residents)
  • 49.9% females (7,760 residents)

What is the median age in Yankton?

The median age in Yankton is 41.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Yankton?

The age distribution in Yankton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.1% (2,654 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.5% (2,259 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.1% (3,592 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.2% (3,609 residents)
  • Over 65: 22% (3,426 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Yankton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Yankton is as follows:
  • White: 86.1% (13,380 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.2% (347 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.4% (520 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (64 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.3% (1,136 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (93 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.4% of the population in Yankton.

How many housing units are there in Yankton?

There are 7,208 housing units in Yankton, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Yankton has a total of 6,638 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Yankton?

Yankton has a median household income of $67,804, representing a -1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98% in Yankton, with a workforce of 7,690 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.8% (5,596 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.2% (2,094 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.1% (624 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.6% (4,818 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.4% (1,185 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.8% (1,063 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