Rapid City, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Rapid City, South Dakota is 76,836 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest city in South Dakota. The median household income is $65,712, the median home value is $270,000, and the median age is 39.0.
The population has grown 15.5% since 2010 (69,154 → 79,894).
76,836
Population
1373
People / sq mi
$65,712
Median Income
$270,000
Median Home Value
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Rapid City covers 56.0 sq mi of land at 1373 people per square mile.
About Rapid City, SD
Rapid City is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 40.6% of the population. With 76,836 residents, Rapid City is a city in South Dakota. It is the #2-largest of all cities in South Dakota nationally.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $65,712 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.8%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $270,000, with typical rent around $1,053.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 36.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. About 10.0% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Rapid City, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Rapid City city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Rapid City city had a population of 69,154 in 2010 and 79,894 in 2024, a 15.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 79,894 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.05%.
79,894
Population (2024)
69,154
Population (2010)
79,894
Peak (2024)
1.05%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 69,154 |
| 2011 | 69,587 |
| 2012 | 70,739 |
| 2013 | 71,730 |
| 2014 | 72,995 |
| 2015 | 73,370 |
| 2016 | 74,116 |
| 2017 | 75,237 |
| 2018 | 76,170 |
| 2019 | 77,503 |
| 2020 | 74,943 |
| 2021 | 76,769 |
| 2022 | 78,702 |
| 2023 | 79,376 |
| 2024 | 79,894 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 78.3% |
| Black or African American | 1.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 13.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$65,712
Median Household Income
$40,447
Per Capita Income
7.8%
Poverty Rate
2.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$270,000
Median Home Value
$1,053
Median Rent
61.6%
Owner-Occupied
Education
94.7%
High School+
36.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.4%
Drive Alone
76.4%
Public Transit
10.0%
Work From Home
17.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
40.6%
Foreign Born
95.8%
Non-English at Home
12.3%
Veterans
16.1%
With Disability
89.4%
Health Insurance
94.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 28.8% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.7% |
| Construction | 9.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.9% |
| Information | 6.8% |
| Manufacturing | 6.3% |
| Public Administration | 5.5% |
| Retail Trade | 3.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.9% |
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rapid City, South Dakota has a population of 76,836 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest city in South Dakota.
The median household income in Rapid City, South Dakota is $65,712, with 7.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Rapid City, South Dakota is $270,000, with median monthly rent at $1,053 and a homeownership rate of 61.6%.
The median age in Rapid City, South Dakota is 39.0 years. The population is 50.7% male and 49.3% female.
The population has grown 15.5% since 2010 (69,154 → 79,894).
Where to stay in Rapid City
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.