Wakpala, SD

South Dakota

Wakpala is a small town in South Dakota with a population of 159. Residents earn $22,500 per year, which is 70% below the national average.

2.4 /5.0
C Fair
159 Population 361/sq mi density
$22,500 Median Income $7,782 per capita
N/A Home Value
$433 Median Rent
43°F Avg Temperature
C
Overall
2.4 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
F
Economy
1.1 / 5.0
$22,500 median income, 21.9% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.6 / 5.0
$433/mo rent
D
Education
1.6 / 5.0
6.9% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $22,500
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 6.9%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent $433
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 45.5%
42% higher than US avg
Unemployment 21.9%
508% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 81.3%
556% higher than US avg

How Wakpala Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population159
Median Age26.4 yrs
Density361/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 1%

Economy

F
Median Income$22,500
Per Capita$7,782
Unemployment21.9%
Poverty81.3%
County GDP$103M
Commute27 min

Housing

A+
Home ValueN/A
Rent$433
OwnershipN/A

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

Obesity45.5%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease8.1%

Climate

Avg Temp43°F
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.1 in/yr
Elevation1,637 ft

Education

D
Bachelor's+6.9%
High School+81.6%
School Score5.45

Community

2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Commute27 min
Broadband55.0%

Is Wakpala a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Wakpala receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Wakpala has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Wakpala is $22,500, 70% below the national average of $75,149. At 21.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 81.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

Renters pay a median of $433 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability.

Education

6.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.

Climate & Weather

Wakpala has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.1 inches, including 34.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.

Wakpala has a population of 159 with a density of 361 people per square mile. The median age is 26.4 years, 32% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Hispanic (96.9%).

Population

159
Total Population
361
People / sq mi
26.4yrs
Median Age
32% below US avg
0.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 54.7%
Female 45.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Wakpala vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only78.7%
0% below US avg
Spanish21.3%
59% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Wakpala vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Wakpala is $22,500, which is 70% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 21.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 81.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.

Income: Wakpala vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$22,500
70% below US avg
Per Capita Income$7,782
Avg Weekly Wage$863
IRS Avg AGI$87,766

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment21.9%
508% above US avg
Poverty Rate81.3%
556% above US avg
Establishments (County)75
County GDP$103M

Business (County)

Restaurants4
Healthcare3
Retail9
Manufacturing4

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time26.7 min
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

Monthly rent averages $433 (63% below US avg).

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$433
63% below US avg

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$691
1 Bedroom$784
2 Bedrooms$990
3 Bedrooms$1,295
4 Bedrooms$1,540

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied28.6%

Property Tax

In Wakpala, 45.5% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 23.9% report depression. 36.8% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: Wakpala vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity45.5%
42% above US avg
Diabetes19.6%
Heart Disease8.1%
High Blood Pressure36.0%
Asthma14.6%
COPD10.7%
Stroke5.3%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Binge Drinking15.4%
Physical Inactivity36.8%
Depression23.9%
Mental Distress22.9%
Physical Distress20.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate66.7%
Checkup Rate70.6%
Premature Death10,991/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.6/10
Exercise Access36.2%
Healthcare Facilities3

Crime Rates: Wakpala vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Wakpala has an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation is 20.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.

Temperature

14°F Jan (-10°C) 72°F Jul (22°C)
Annual Average43.3°F
20% below US avg
January Average14°F (-10°C)
July Average72°F (22°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall20.1 inches
47% below US avg
Snowfall34.9 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median35.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,637 ft (499 m)
Area0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²)
Population Density361/sq mi
Coordinates45.6594°N, 100.5355°W
County FIPS46021
It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural. 6.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (80% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 70.1-point margin. 55.0% of households have broadband internet.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 84.5%
D 14.4%

Winner: Republican by 70.1 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+6.9%
80% below US avg
High School+81.6%
School Test Score5.45
D Education Grade (1.6/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro — Rural
Population Density361/sq mi
Total Area0.4 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access55.0%
Healthcare Facilities3
Restaurants4
Retail Stores9

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute26.7 min
Work from Home0.0%

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