Irene Public RecordsSouth Dakota

Irene, located in Clay County, SD, is a small rural city with no hospital within city limits; nearest hospitals include Avera Sacred Heart Hospital (21 miles, Yankton) and Sanford Vermillion Medical Center (17 miles, Vermillion). The city has one local clinic, Irene Family Medicine Clinic. Healthcare access challenges are common, with 11% of county residents uninsured. The population is 94% White, median age 42. Leading health concerns include hypertension, diabetes, and obesity—29% county adult obesity rate. Physician access averages 1 per 2,200 residents in Clay County. Medicaid and Medicare serve significant portions of the population.

Irene, located in Clay County, SD, has a population of approximately 422 (2020 Census). About 23% are under 18, and 23% are 65 or older, with a median age of 39. The gender split is nearly even, with 50.2% female and 49.8% male. Racially, the city is predominantly White (95.7%), followed by small percentages of Native American (1.2%), Asian (0.2%), and Hispanic or Latino residents (1.7%).

Irene, a small city in Clay County, SD, has limited transportation infrastructure, with most residents relying on personal vehicles—over 90% commute alone by car. According to recent census data, the average commute time is approximately 18 minutes. Public transit options are minimal or nonexistent, leading to negligible transit usage. Vehicle ownership rates are high, with most households owning at least one vehicle. Major employment hubs are found in the city center, nearby towns, or in Yankton, Sioux Falls, and Vermillion, contributing to regional commuting patterns. Local roads provide primary access, with no direct interstate connections.

Irene, located in Clay County, SD, is served by the Irene-Wakonda School District, which includes one comprehensive K-12 school with approximately 250 students. The high school graduation rate is about 96%. Around 18% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is rated above average, with minimal incidents reported annually. Educational programs include dual-credit and vocational courses. State assessment scores indicate proficiency rates of 58% in math and 68% in reading. Adult education opportunities are limited locally, but nearby colleges provide further educational options.

Irene, located in Clay County, SD, has a homeownership rate of about 65%, with median home values around $120,000 as of 2023. Rental rates average $600–$800 per month. The housing market remains stable, with slight annual appreciation near 2%. Housing types include primarily single-family homes and some older multi-unit dwellings. Neighborhoods are quiet, with rural and small-town characteristics. Property taxes in Clay County average 1.3% of assessed value, translating to roughly $1,560 annually for a median-priced home. The community enjoys affordable living, attracting both families and retirees.