New Map Highlights Income Differences in Black Hills
A new data map created by the Black Hills Knowledge Network shows that the highest household incomes in the Black Hills region are concentrated in southwest Rapid City. Residents in the area referred to as Colonial Pine Hills on Google maps have median household incomes of $90,203, more than any other area in the region, according to U.S. Census data. The area stretches from Canyon Lake on its northeast corner to the stretch of Highway 16 near the Stratobowl on its southwest tip, and it covers the Carriage Hills neighborhood as well as Moon Meadows Road, Chapel Valley and the Red Rock housing development and golf course. By contrast, residents of eastern Shannon County on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation have a median household income of $16,869 and are the poorest in the region.
The map highlights income inequality patterns described in a recent report by the U.S. Census with urban areas showing bigger differences between the highest income bracket (the top 20 percent) and the lowest bracket. One noteable trend is that residents of the towns in the Black Hills have lower median incomes than do residents of the surrounding counties.
For example, residents of Hot Springs have median household incomes of $32,425, while residents of Fall River County outside of Hot Springs have median household incomes of $41,250.
- Sturgis, $36,925; Meade County, $37,244
- Custer, $39,286; Custer County, $48,958
- Lawrence County income is divided into four geographic sections, ranging from $41,214 to $55,859.
Butte County is divided into two geographic areas, with the area surrounding Belle Fourche having median income of $42,943, compared to $34,375 in the rest of the county.
