The town named the poorest in South Dakota is Hot Springs. It ranks as the poorest place in the state based on a combination of low median household income and a high poverty rate. Hot Springs has a population of around 3,465 people and experiences the second lowest median household income in South Dakota along with the second highest poverty rate.
Despite this economic struggle, the town benefits from a relatively low cost of living compared to other places in the state, which slightly offsets the financial challenges its residents face.
The high poverty rate and low income levels are primarily attributed to a lack of jobs and low wages prevalent in the area, making it the most economically disadvantaged town in South Dakota for 2024 and 2025.
Additionally, other towns with significant poverty challenges in South Dakota include Sisseton and Vermillion, but Hot Springs stands at the top as the poorest town based on recent data.
The poverty issues reflect broader economic hardships in areas with limited employment opportunities and resources. The town of Hot Springs, despite its struggles, remains notable within the state for this unfortunate distinction.
Sources
(https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-south-dakota/)
(https://www.chn.org/voices/forgotten-hunger-homelessness-south-dakota/)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3PU_sR9X_E)
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziebach_County,_South_Dakota)
(https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/poorest-big-city-every-state)
