Porcupine Public RecordsSouth Dakota

Porcupine, a Census Designated Place in Shannon County (now Oglala Lakota County), South Dakota, had a population of 925 in the 2020 Census. The community is predominantly Native American (about 97.7%), with small percentages of White (1.6%) and other races. The median age is approximately 21 years, highlighting a young population; around 41% are under 18. Gender distribution is nearly balanced, with about 50.6% female and 49.4% male residents.

Porcupine, in Shannon County (now Oglala Lakota County), SD, primarily serves the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The main healthcare provider is the Indian Health Service’s Porcupine Health Center, offering primary care, behavioral health, and limited urgent care, but no full-service hospital—patients are referred to Pine Ridge Hospital (~25 miles away). The majority of residents are Native American (over 97%), with high rates of diabetes (14-16%), heart disease, and poverty. Insurance coverage is limited: nearly 30% uninsured as of 2022, though many use IHS. Physician-to-population ratio is low (approx. 1:2,000).

Porcupine, in Shannon County, SD (now Oglala Lakota County), is a small, rural community where over 90% of commutes are by private vehicle, and public transit usage is negligible (<1%). According to the U.S. Census, average one-way commute times are around 25 minutes. Vehicle ownership is relatively high, with over 80% of households having at least one vehicle. Transportation infrastructure mainly consists of local and county roads, with limited public transport options. Most residents commute to nearby towns or local employment centers, such as schools, healthcare facilities, and tribal offices.

Porcupine, located in Shannon County (now Oglala Lakota County), SD, features predominantly single-family homes and mobile homes, with homeownership rates around 55% and rental occupancy approximately 45%. Median home values hover near $35,000, while median rents are about $600 per month. The local housing market is stable, with slight appreciation under 2% annually. Neighborhoods are largely rural and close-knit. Property taxes are low, averaging around 1.3% of home value, equaling roughly $450 per year for a median-priced property. Rental options are limited, with waiting lists common due to high demand.

Porcupine, in Shannon County (now Oglala Lakota County), SD, is served primarily by Pine Ridge School and Little Wound School, offering K-12 education. There are no colleges in Porcupine; about 8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the state average. The schools serve approximately 700 students combined. Test scores are generally below state averages, but culturally relevant educational programs and Lakota language classes are emphasized. Adult education opportunities are limited locally. School safety measures are in place, with staff and community engagement, though challenges persist due to limited resources.