White River, South Dakota

White River (Lakota: Makhízita wakpá; "White Dirt River") is a city in and the county seat of Mellette County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 533 at the 2020 census.

History

White River was founded as the seat of the newly formed Mellette County in 1911. The town was named after the White River.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, White River had a population of 533. The median age was 38.5 years, with 31.7% of residents under the age of 18 and 20.8% of residents aged 65 years or older. For every 100 females there were 105.0 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 91.6 males age 18 and over.

There were 187 households in White River, of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 33.7% were married-couple households, 20.9% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 33.2% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 38.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Racial composition as of the 2020 census

! Race !! Number !! Percent

| White || 194 || 36.4%

| Black or African American || 1 || 0.2%

| American Indian and Alaska Native || 271 || 50.8%

| Asian || 3 || 0.6%

| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander || 0 || 0.0%

| Some other race || 5 || 0.9%

| Two or more races || 59 || 11.1%

| Hispanic or Latino (of any race) || 9 || 1.7%

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 581 people, 211 households, and 135 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 245 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 48.9% White, 0.3% African American, 40.6% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 9.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.1% of the population.

There were 211 households, of which 39.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.4% were married couples living together, 17.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 8.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.0% were non-families. 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.01.

The median age in the city was 39.4 years. 28.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.3% were from 25 to 44; 24.6% were from 45 to 64; and 18.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.8% male and 53.2% female.

2000 census

As of the census continues today as a yearly event and attracts people from around the world. Incorporated into the celebration are a parade, rodeo, and a traditional Lakota Wacipi.