Lead Public RecordsSouth Dakota

Lead-Deadwood School District serves Lead (including Lawrence, SD), with 1 high school (Lead-Deadwood High School) and several elementary/middle schools. Graduation rates are around 91% (2023), and about 19% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district scores a 6/10 for overall academic performance (GreatSchools), and offers programs in STEM, arts, and CTE. School safety incidents are low, and the community supports adult education through Black Hills State University in nearby Spearfish and local vocational programs.

Lead and Lawrence, South Dakota, are small communities located in Lawrence County. As of the 2020 Census, Lead has a population of about 2,982, while Lawrence County’s total population is roughly 25,768. In Lead, about 51% are male and 49% female, with a median age of 42. The population is predominantly White (over 92%), with small percentages of Native American (about 2.5%), Hispanic or Latino (2.6%), and other racial groups making up the remainder.

Lead, near the historic city of Deadwood in Lawrence County, SD, sees a homeownership rate of approximately 68%, with median home values around $185,000 (2023). Rentals represent about 32%, with median rents near $900/month. The area features single-family homes, historic Victorians, and some multi-family units. The Lead Historic District is notable for its period architecture. Property values have risen roughly 6% year-over-year. Lawrence County property tax rates average 1.2%, equating to about $2,200 annually on a median-priced home. Housing demand is steady, fueled by tourism and proximity to outdoor attractions.

Lead, SD, residents primarily rely on personal vehicles, with about 90% commuting by car and a vehicle ownership rate of nearly 97%. Public transit usage is negligible, with less than 1% of commuters utilizing it, as Lead lacks a formal transit system. The average one-way commute time is approximately 18 minutes, shorter than the national average. Key transportation infrastructure includes US Highway 85, connecting Lead to neighboring Deadwood and Spearfish. Major employment hubs are local mining operations, hospitality, and healthcare facilities clustered within city limits and nearby towns, influencing short-distance commuting patterns.

Lead, located in Lawrence County, SD, relies primarily on nearby healthcare facilities in Deadwood and Spearfish, such as Monument Health Lead-Deadwood Hospital (18 beds) and Monument Health Spearfish Hospital (80 beds). Lead lacks its own hospital but has small clinics for basic care. Most residents (over 92%) have health insurance, primarily through employer-based plans or Medicare/Medicaid. The population is predominantly White and aged 45+, with common health concerns including heart disease, chronic respiratory conditions, and diabetes. The county-to-physician ratio is about 2,100:1, indicating limited local provider access compared to state and national averages.