Pennington County, South Dakota

Income Data

+6% vs. South Dakota average
$70,768
Median Household Income
$40,527
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$70,768
+6% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$40,527
+3% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
26.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in South Dakota
#30 / 66
by median household income

How Pennington County Compares

Pennington County$70,768
South Dakota Average$66,926
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$70,768
Median Household Income
$40,527
Per Capita Income
$270,400
Median Home Value
26.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Pennington County, South Dakota

Pennington slightly trails national norm

Pennington County's median household income of $70,768 falls $3,987 short of the national median of $74,755. While below the U.S. average, the county still ranks within the middle tier nationwide, reflecting its role as a mixed urban-rural region.

Third-highest income in state

Pennington County ranks third among South Dakota counties with a median household income of $70,768, exceeding the state average of $66,926 by 5.8%. The county benefits from Rapid City's diverse economy and tourism industry.

Competitive with regional peers

Pennington's $70,768 income lags Moody County ($77,500) and Minnehaha County ($76,074), but exceeds Potter County ($71,726) and Roberts County ($63,691). The county holds a middle position in the state's income hierarchy.

Housing costs run higher here

A rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% places housing costs near the affordability ceiling, with homes averaging $270,400—among the state's priciest. Pennington households must carefully budget to balance homeownership with other financial goals.

Manage housing costs strategically

With housing consuming nearly one-fifth of income, Pennington residents should prioritize debt reduction and build emergency reserves before investing aggressively. Consider working with a financial planner to optimize your mortgage strategy and explore ways to increase household earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Pennington County, South Dakota?
The median household income in Pennington County, South Dakota is $70,768, 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 Pennington County?
The per capita income in Pennington County is $40,527, 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 $70,768.
How does Pennington County compare to the South Dakota average?
Pennington County's median household income of $70,768 is higher than the South Dakota state average of $66,926. The per capita income is $40,527, compared to the state average of $35,667.
What is the per capita income in Pennington County, South Dakota?
The per capita income in Pennington County, South Dakota is $40,527, 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.
Why is Pennington County income higher than the South Dakota average?
Pennington County's median household income of $70,768 is higher than the South Dakota average of $66,926. This difference of $3,842 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Pennington County rank for income in South Dakota?
Pennington County ranks #30 out of 66 counties in South Dakota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $70,768 and per capita income of $40,527, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Pennington County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Pennington County median

County median: $70,768 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

+6%

vs. National Median

-5%

vs. Pennington County MedianAbout equal
vs. South Dakota Average6% above
vs. National Median5% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.5x

Your monthly income ($5,897) vs. median rent ($1,066/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Pennington County, South Dakota? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in South Dakota

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

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