County

Mellette County, SD

3 ZIP codes  ·  3 cities  ·  South Dakota

👥1,958Population
💰$53,299Median HH Income▼ 30% below avg
🎂37.1Median Age
🏠$61,794Median Home Value▼ 78% below avg
🎓27.3%College Grads▼ 30% below avg
📊17.0%Unemployment▲ 246% above avg
People & Population (ACS 2023 — weighted avg)
♂ Male 48.3% Female 51.7% ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 31.6%Hispanic: 0.5%Black: 0.3%Other: 7.2%Race
White31.6%
Hispanic0.5%
Black0.3%
Other7.2%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
6%
5–17
23%
18–24
8%
25–44
22%
45–64
24%
65+
9%

Key Indicators

Median Age37.1 yrs
Avg HH Size3.18
Below Poverty44.0% ▲ 340% above avg
College Grads27.3% ▼ 30% below avg
Unemployment17.0% ▲ 246% above avg
No HS Diploma27 (2.5%)
HS Graduate420 (38.4%)
Some College164 (15%)
Associates185 (16.9%)
Bachelors107 (9.8%)
Graduate Degree190 (17.4%)

Education

No HS: 2.5%HS Grad: 38.4%Some College: 15%Associates: 16.9%Bachelors: 9.8%Graduate: 17.4%Edu
No HS2.5%
HS Grad38.4%
Some College15.0%
Associates16.9%
Bachelors9.8%
Graduate17.4%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 63.5%Renter: 36.5%Tenure
Owner63.5%
Renter36.5%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
39%
$50k–$100k
28%
$100k–$150k
10%
$150k–$200k
11%
$200k–$300k
10%
$300k–$500k
3%

Financials

Median HH Income$53,299 ▼ 30% below avg
Median Home Value$61,794 ▼ 78% below avg
Home/Income Ratio1.2x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$810/mo
Total Housing Units770
Vacant Units156

Income Distribution

Under $25k
27%
$25k–$50k
23%
$50k–$75k
22%
$75k–$100k
16%
$100k–$150k
4%
$150k–$200k
4%
Over $200k
3%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
86%
Walked
7%
Work From Home
7%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
51%
15–30 min
26%
30–45 min
14%
Over 45 min
8%
Housing Stock

Year Built

1940s–1950s
16%
1960s–1970s
14%
1980s–1990s
14%
2000+
56%
About Mellette County, SD

Mellette County is located in South Dakota and encompasses 3 ZIP codes spanning 3 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 1,958 residents. With a median age of 37.12, it is a relatively young county.

Mellette County has a working-class economic profile. The median household income of $53,299 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 17.0%, more than double the national average. The poverty rate of 44.0% is significantly above the national average, indicating economic challenges.

Housing in Mellette County is one of the more affordable housing markets in the country, with a median home value of $61,794 — well below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $809. Homeownership rates are high at 63.5%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.

The residents of Mellette County are racially diverse, with White as the largest group at 31.6%. Educational attainment is moderately educated — 27.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average.

Mellette County, SD is a working-class area in South Dakota. The 3 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.

ZIP Codes in Mellette County
ZIPCityPopulationMedian IncomeMedian HomeMedian RentUnemp.College
57579 White River 1,473 $53,913 $58,800 $818 7.7% 31.2%
57585 Wood 105 $44,688 $103,800 $692 0.0% 23.0%