White River Flag

White River

County:
Mellette County
County Seat:
Yes
Area (mi²):
0.521
State:
South Dakota

White River is a city located in Mellette County, South Dakota. White River has a 2026 population of 595. It is also the county seat of Mellette County. White River is currently growing at a rate of 1.19% annually and its population has increased by 10.8% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 537 in 2020.

The median household income in White River is $82,692 with a poverty rate of 35.71%. The median age in White River is 37.5 years: 36.1 years for males, and 37.8 years for females. For every 100 females there are 87.0 males.

595
Total Population
1,142
Density (mi²)
7 1.19%
Growth

White River Population

White River Population

Year ↓
Population
Growth
Annual Change
202659571.19%
2025588213.7%
2024567346.38%
2023533132.5%
2022520-9-1.7%
2021529-8-1.49%
202053700%
201958091.58%
2018571-9-1.55%
2017580-3-0.51%
201658391.57%
2015574-11-1.88%
201458550.86%
2013580-3-0.51%
2012583-6-1.02%
201158981.38%
2010576-5-0.86%

Median Age

Overall: 37.5 years
Female: 37.8 years
Male: 36.1 years

White River Adults

There are 428 adults, (120 of whom are seniors) in White River.

Sex Ratio

Female: 324 (53.5%)
Male: 282 (46.5%)

Demographics

The racial composition of White River includes 47.85% Native American, 31.02% White, and smaller percentages for and multiracial populations.

Population by Race

Race
Population ↓
Percentage (of total)
Native American29047.85%
White18831.02%
Two or more races12821.12%
Race
Population ↓
Percentage (of total)
Two or more races101.65%
Race
Population ↓
Percentage (of total)
Native American29047.85%
White18831.02%
Two or more races11819.47%

White River Marital Status

Economics and Income Statistics

White River's average per capita income is $38,352. Household income levels show a median of $82,692. The poverty rate stands at 35.71%.

Families: A family includes the owner or renter of the home along with everyone related to them - whether through birth, marriage, or adoption. This includes relatives like spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, and any other family members.
Households: A household includes all the people who occupy a housing unit (such as a house or apartment) as their usual place of residence.
Non Families: A nonfamily household is either someone living alone or when the owner/renter lives with people they aren't related to, like roommates.
Name
Median ↓
Mean
Married Families$84,712-
Households$82,692$76,950
Families$54,485$77,251
Non Families-$64,455

$38,352

Average Income

$82,692

Median Household Income

35.71%

Poverty Rate

Sources

  1. US Census State Population Estimates - Most recent state estimates from the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program
  2. US Census County Population Estimates - Most recent county estimates from the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program
  3. American Community Survey (2009 - 2013)
  4. Census QuickFacts
  5. Historical Populations of States and Counties (1790 - 1990)