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Population Review

Spearfish, South Dakota Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Spearfish, South Dakota is 12,551 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 10th-largest city in South Dakota. The median household income is $59,731, the median home value is $309,200, and the median age is 37.2.

The population has grown 31.2% since 2010 (10,523 → 13,803).

12,551

Population

727

People / sq mi

$59,731

Median Income

$309,200

Median Home Value

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Spearfish covers 17.3 sq mi of land at 727 people per square mile.

About Spearfish, SD

Spearfish stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US cities, at roughly 727 people per square mile. With 12,551 residents, Spearfish is a city in South Dakota. It is the #10-largest of all cities in South Dakota nationally.

Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $59,731, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.7%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $309,200, with typical rent around $941.

About 43.6% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, above the 35.0% national figure. Just 5.5% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.

Spearfish city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Spearfish city had a population of 10,523 in 2010 and 13,803 in 2024, a 31.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,803 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.97%.

2024 · 14K20102024
Spearfish city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

13,803

Population (2024)

10,523

Population (2010)

13,803

Peak (2024)

1.97%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201010,523
201110,617
201210,679
201311,024
201411,031
201511,181
201611,438
201711,646
201811,667
201911,756
202012,225
202112,369
202212,926
202313,314
202413,803

Race & Ethnicity

White87.8%
Black or African American0.7%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)5.3%
Two or More Races0.2%

Economy & Income

$59,731

Median Household Income

$43,516

Per Capita Income

7.7%

Poverty Rate

1.6%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$309,200

Median Home Value

$941

Median Rent

48.3%

Owner-Occupied

Education

95.9%

High School+

43.6%

Bachelor's+

Commute

1.4%

Drive Alone

80.6%

Public Transit

5.5%

Work From Home

14.8 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

42.7%

Foreign Born

96.0%

Non-English at Home

10.5%

Veterans

17.7%

With Disability

90.7%

Health Insurance

94.3%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management25.7%
Education, Health Care & Social Services21.9%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate6.7%
Agriculture & Mining5.9%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services5.7%
Manufacturing5.1%
Information4.5%
Construction3.2%
Retail Trade2.5%
Public Administration2.4%
Transportation & Warehousing1.8%

Largest cities in South Dakota

Largest counties in South Dakota

Part of South Dakota

Metro areas in South Dakota

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Spearfish, South Dakota has a population of 12,551 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 10th-largest city in South Dakota.

The median household income in Spearfish, South Dakota is $59,731, with 7.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Spearfish, South Dakota is $309,200, with median monthly rent at $941 and a homeownership rate of 48.3%.

The median age in Spearfish, South Dakota is 37.2 years. The population is 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

The population has grown 31.2% since 2010 (10,523 → 13,803).


Spearfish city, SD Climate

Spearfish city, SD has an average annual temperature of 7.4°C (45°F) and receives about 602 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

7.4°C

Avg Temp

602

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-15°-5°5°15°25°101mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Spearfish city, SD — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January-5° / 24°20 mm
February-3° / 27°24 mm
March1° / 33°42 mm
April6° / 43°74 mm
May12° / 53°101 mm
June17° / 63°101 mm
July21° / 69°54 mm
August20° / 68°49 mm
September15° / 58°45 mm
October8° / 46°41 mm
November1° / 33°25 mm
December-3° / 26°26 mm

1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.

Best time to visit Spearfish city, SD

The most comfortable months to visit Spearfish city, SD are typically July, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). May is usually the wettest month.

JulyAugustSeptember

Where to stay near Spearfish

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.