Wealth Index
Among the 5 least wealthy counties in South Dakota
The wealth index reflects the overall economic prosperity and financial well-being of a county's residents based on income levels, employment rates, and income inequality metrics.
Income Statistics Overview
| Metric | Mellette County | South Dakota Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $51,263 | $72,558 | $78,145 |
| Median Personal Income | $44,444 | $55,073 | $61,726 |
| Average income growth | 8.5% | 4.8% | 5.1% |
| Six-Figure Earners | 3.1% | 9.3% | 13.2% |
The median household income in Mellette County is about 29% lower than in South Dakota. Income has been growing faster in Mellette County (8.5%/yr) than in South Dakota (4.8%/yr).
About 3% of adults in Mellette County earn six figures ($100,000 or more) a year, lower than the South Dakota average of 9%.
Median Household Income 2009–2023 Trend
Median Household Income Over Time
Median household income in Mellette County, South Dakota grew by 48.7% from 2009 to 2023, reaching $51,263 in 2023. That's an average of about 8.5% per year.
Economic Inequality in Mellette County | Gender Pay Gap | Gini Coefficient
| Metric | Mellette County | South Dakota Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gini Coefficient | 0.623 | 0.512 | 0.570 |
| Male Median Income | $43,635 | $61,155 | $67,746 |
| Female Median Income | $44,799 | $48,763 | $54,793 |
| Gender Pay Gap | -2.7% | 20.3% | 19.1% |
The Gini coefficient measures how evenly income is shared between richer and poorer households, from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns nearly everything). The lower the number, the more equally income is distributed. In Mellette County, it is 0.623, higher than South Dakota's 0.512, so income is less evenly distributed here than there, and higher than the US's 0.570, so income is less evenly distributed here than there.
Women's income is about 3% more than men's income in Mellette County, South Dakota. Over a 35-year career, a 3% wage gap accumulates to roughly $40,740 in unearned income for male workers in the area.
Income by Sex Over Time
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Mellette County, South Dakota has narrowed from about 14% to -3% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has narrowed by $6,203 since 2009.
Employment
| Metric | Mellette County | South Dakota Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 14.7% | 3.0% | 5.2% |
| Working from Home | 5.9% | 9.3% | 13.4% |
| Commute time (minutes) | 13 | 15 | 22 |
Approximately 114 people are unemployed in Mellette County, South Dakota.
The average commute time in Mellette County is 13 minutes, shorter than the 15 minutes in South Dakota.
Unemployment Rate Over Time
Since 2011, the unemployment rate in Mellette County, South Dakota has fallen from 16.1% to 14.7% in 2023.
Conclusion
Considering all these factors, Mellette County, South Dakota has an overall wealth index grade of F, making it worse than South Dakota, and worse than the country as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about income and wealth in Mellette County, South Dakota.
How Rich Is Mellette County, South Dakota?
Mellette County has a wealth index grade of F. The wealth index grades areas from A+ (best) to F- by combining income levels, employment rates, and income inequality; an F grade means residents are well below the U.S. average. The median household income is $51,263, about 29% lower than the South Dakota average of $72,558.
What is the current median household income in Mellette County, South Dakota?
As of 2023, the median household income in Mellette County, South Dakota is $51,263.
What was the median household income in Mellette County in 2023?
In 2023, the median household income in Mellette County, South Dakota was $51,263.
What was the median household income in Mellette County in 2020?
In 2020, the median household income in Mellette County, South Dakota was $33,909.
What is the Gini coefficient in Mellette County, South Dakota?
The Gini coefficient in Mellette County is 0.623. It measures income inequality on a scale from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns everything). That is higher than the US average of 0.570, so income is distributed less equally than in the country overall.
How has the income gap between men and women changed in Mellette County, South Dakota?
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Mellette County, South Dakota has narrowed from about 14% to -3% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has narrowed by $6,203 since 2009.