At a Glance
Median Income
$65,712
$40,447 per capita
Home Value
$270,000
Zillow: $361,540
Median Rent
$1,053/mo
29.0% of income on rent
Bachelor's Degree+
36.4%
94.7% high school+
Unemployment
3.2%
7.8% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
34.9%
16.9% smoking rate
How Rapid City Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Rapid City's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Rapid City a Good Place to Live?
A
4.1 / 5.0 - Great
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Rapid City residents earn a median household income of $65,712 , which is 13% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $40,447. The unemployment rate stands at 3.2% (11% below the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 1,630 business establishments, including 155 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Rapid City is $270,000 , 4% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $361,540. Median rent is $1,053/month, with 29.0% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 88.6 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1979.
Education
36.4% of adults in Rapid City hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(8% above the national average).
94.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.8/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Rapid City has an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C).
Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.0 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population76,836
Median Age39.0 yrs
Density1,373/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Foreign Born2.3%
Veterans12.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,712
Per Capita$40,447
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty7.8%
County GDP$1,848M
Avg Weekly Wage$965
Housing
A
Home Value$270,000
Rent$1,053
Ownership61.6%
Zillow$361,540
Housing Units34,127
Rent Burden29.0%
Health
Obesity34.9%
Diabetes10.6%
Smoking16.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Premature Death6,603/100K
Climate
Avg Temp48°F
Rain20.0 in/yr
Elevation3,389 ft
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.4%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+13.1%
School Score5.8/10
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 33%
Commute17 min
Broadband89.8%
Internet Speed159 Mbps
EV Stations22
Libraries4
Did You Know?
Rapid City was founded in 1876.
The median home in Rapid City was built in 1979.
The nearest airport is Ellsworth Afb (8 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.472 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Low" by FEMA.
16.1% of the population has a disability.
Average internet download speed is 159 Mbps.
There are 155 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 4 fatal vehicle crashes.