Living in Waubay, South Dakota
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Waubay · Census data 2020–2024
Waubay has 337 residents with a median age of 53.3. The median household income is $36,389 (52% lower than the South Dakota median), the median home value is $152,800, the median rent is $603/month.
Waubay is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Waubay at a glance
- Population
- 337
- Median age
- 53.3State: 38
- Median household income
- $36,389State: $75,081
- Median home value
- $152,800State: $257,400
- Median rent
- $603/moState: $946
- Homeowners
- 58.5%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 24.8%
- Average commute
- 13 min
Is Waubay a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 41% lower than the state median; an average commute of 13 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 52% lower than the South Dakota median; unemployment of 5.7%; a poverty rate of 24.3%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Waubay
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Waubay the median home value is $152,800, 54% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $603 per month, which is 10% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $992 a month in housing costs.
Waubay median household income
The median household income in Waubay is $36,389 and the income per person is $29,096. 24.3% of residents live below the poverty line (South Dakota: 11.9%).
Housing in Waubay: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 284
- Owner-occupied
- 58.5%
- Renter-occupied
- 41.5%
- Vacant
- 42.3%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1971
- Average household size
- 2.05
42.3% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Waubay has many vacation and second homes.
Waubay demographics
- Population
- 337
- Median age
- 53.3
- Under 18
- 21.1%
- 65 and older
- 40.1%
- Households
- 164
- Foreign-born
- 0%
- Veterans
- 11.3%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Waubay ›
Education in Waubay
24.8% of adults 25 and older in Waubay have a bachelor's degree or higher (South Dakota: 31.9%), and 3.1% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Waubay
- Unemployment rate
- 5.7%State: 2.9%
- Average commute
- 13 minState: 18 min
- Work from home
- 10%
- Drive alone
- 86%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 4%
- Homes with broadband
- 64%
Waubay vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waubay | 337 | $36,389 | $152,800 | $603 |
| Enemy Swim | 301 | $30,357 | $85,800 | $433 |
| Webster | 1,896 | $55,179 | $154,100 | $653 |
| Summit | 359 | $60,000 | $98,100 | $763 |
| Roslyn | 147 | $49,375 | $96,300 | $525 |
| Florence | 317 | $75,909 | $158,700 | $817 |
| Agency Village | 980 | $50,625 | $257,100 | $702 |
| Bristol | 275 | $56,250 | $76,400 | $729 |
| Peever Flats | 119 | $60,375 | — | $446 |
More for people moving to Waubay
Waubay ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Waubay: FAQ
What is the median household income in Waubay, SD?
The median household income in Waubay is $36,389, 52% lower than the South Dakota median of $75,081 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Waubay?
The median home value in Waubay is $152,800, compared with $257,400 in South Dakota.
How much is rent in Waubay?
The median gross rent in Waubay is $603 per month, about 10% of household income.
Is Waubay, SD a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 41% lower than the state median; an average commute of 13 minutes. Minuses: median household income 52% lower than the South Dakota median; unemployment of 5.7%; a poverty rate of 24.3%.
What is the median age in Waubay?
The median age in Waubay is 53.3 years (South Dakota: 38).
How long is the commute in Waubay?
The average commute to work in Waubay is 13 minutes; 10% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Waubay?
The unemployment rate in Waubay is 5.7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Waubay?
24.8% of adults in Waubay have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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