IncomeBy County

Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-48% vs. South Dakota average
$34,769
Median Household Income
$11,650
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$34,769
-48% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$11,650
-70% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
76.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in South Dakota
#65 / 66
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Oglala Lakota County Compares

Oglala Lakota County$34,769
South Dakota Average$66,926
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$34,769
Median Household Income
$11,650
Per Capita Income
$45,600
Median Home Value
76.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Oglala Lakota County

Income Verdict

Oglala Lakota County has a median household income of $34,769 and per capita income of $11,650 — a gap of $23,119, indicating a strong family-earning economy with multiple earners per household.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $563/month and a median household income of $34,769, rent consumes approximately 19.4% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $34,769 indicates below-average earnings, which may limit discretionary spending and make households sensitive to cost-of-living increases. Per capita income of $11,650 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Oglala Lakota County earns approximately 48% below the South Dakota state median household income of $66,926.

Data Story

About Household Income in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota

Significant income gap to address

Oglala Lakota County's median household income of $34,769 falls $40,000 below the national median of $74,755, ranking it among the lowest-income counties in the United States. This disparity reflects systemic economic challenges on tribal lands and limited job diversity.

Lowest income in South Dakota

Oglala Lakota County's median household income ranks lowest among all South Dakota counties, at 48% of the state average of $66,926. The gap underscores concentrated economic disadvantage that demands targeted policy and investment.

Sharp contrast with surrounding counties

Oglala Lakota's $34,769 median income trails all neighboring counties, including Roberts County ($63,691) and Sanborn County ($69,870) by roughly 46-50%. This geographic isolation from regional economic opportunity compounds local challenges.

Housing costs strain budgets

A rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% indicates housing absorbs nearly one-fifth of median household income, limiting resources for other essentials. Though median home values are low at $45,600, the income-to-price mismatch leaves many households economically vulnerable.

Targeted resources for financial stability

Oglala Lakota households need access to affordable financial counseling, emergency savings programs, and economic development initiatives. Community organizations and local leaders can help residents access microloans, job training, and entrepreneurial support to build pathways toward financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota?
The median household income in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota is $34,769, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Oglala Lakota County?
The per capita income in Oglala Lakota County is $11,650, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $34,769.
How does Oglala Lakota County compare to the South Dakota average?
Oglala Lakota County's median household income of $34,769 is lower than the South Dakota state average of $66,926. The per capita income is $11,650, compared to the state average of $35,667.
What is the per capita income in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota?
The per capita income in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota is $11,650, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Oglala Lakota County a low-income area in South Dakota?
Oglala Lakota County's median household income of $34,769 is below the South Dakota average of $66,926. The per capita income of $11,650 is also lower than the state average of $35,667. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Oglala Lakota County rank for income in South Dakota?
Oglala Lakota County ranks #65 out of 66 counties in South Dakota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $34,769 and per capita income of $11,650, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Oglala Lakota County

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Your income is above the Oglala Lakota County median

County median: $34,769 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-48%

vs. National Median

-53%

vs. Oglala Lakota County MedianAbout equal
vs. South Dakota Average▼ 48% below
vs. National Median▼ 53% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.1x

Your monthly income ($2,897) vs. median rent ($563/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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$34,992
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$35,000
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$34,501
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Hickory County
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$35,084
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Lowndes County
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$35,160
+1%
Claiborne County
Mississippi
$34,371
-1%
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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