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Population Review

Beadle County, South Dakota Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 11th-largest in South Dakota

The population of Beadle County, South Dakota is 19,279 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 11th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $63,082, the median home value is $178,400, and the median age is 36.9.

The population of Beadle County has grown 11.8% since 2010 (17,406 → 19,459), a +0.80% annualized rate.

Beadle County within South Dakota · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

19,279

Population

+0.80%

Annual growth

15

People / sq mi

$63,082

Median Income

$178,400

Median Home Value

Beadle County covers 1,259 sq mi of land at 15.3 people per square mile.

About Beadle County, SD

Beadle County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 19,279. It ranks #11 among counties in South Dakota by population. The median age is 36.9, younger than the national median. The population is 49.6% male and 50.4% female.

The median household income in Beadle County is $63,082, below the US median of $74,580. 7.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $178,400, with monthly rent averaging $834. The homeownership rate of 70.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Beadle County reflects 26.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 14.1 minutes each way.

Beadle County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Beadle County had a population of 17,406 in 2010 and 19,459 in 2024, a 11.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,459 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.81%.

2024 · 19K20102024

19,459

Population (2024)

17,406

Population (2010)

19,459

Peak (2024)

0.81%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201017,406
201117,712
201218,003
201318,217
201418,073
201518,146
201618,154
201718,397
201818,239
201918,389
202019,166
202119,185
202219,356
202319,380
202419,459

Race & Ethnicity

White71.3%
Black or African American1.1%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)2.8%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

36.9

Median Age

50.4%

Female

49.6%

Male

18.3%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
8.1%
5–9
9.1%
10–14
7.6%
15–19
5.6%
20–24
5.4%
25–34
11.7%
35–44
11.2%
45–54
10.3%
55–59
6.2%
60–64
6.6%
65–74
10.1%
75–84
4.6%
85+
3.6%

Children (under 15): 24.8% · Seniors (65+): 18.3%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$63,082$-9,339 vs state
Mean household income$79,653
Per-capita income$31,506
Poverty rate7.4%
Unemployment rate1.7%
Employment-to-population64.2%

Top Industries by Employment

Manufacturing
23.9%
Professional & business services
20.4%
Education & health care
7.2%
Agriculture
6.7%
Retail trade
6.5%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.4%
Finance & real estate
4.4%
Construction
4.1%

The largest employment sector in Beadle County is manufacturing, accounting for 23.9% of workers.

How residents commute

0.2%

Drive alone

3.7%

Carpool

77.8%

Public transit

5.4%

Work from home

14.1 min

Avg commute

Housing

$178,400$-58,400 vs state

Median home value

$834

Median rent

70.2%

Homeownership rate

8,453

Total housing units

88.5%

Occupied

11.5%

Vacant

29.8%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

94.1%

With health insurance

91.5%

With broadband internet

23.8%

Foreign-born

5.7%

Veterans (18+)

13.3%

With a disability

82.0%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

85.1%

High School+

26.4%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in South Dakota

Other counties in South Dakota

Part of South Dakota

Metro areas in South Dakota

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Beadle County, South Dakota has a population of 19,279 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 11th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 15 people per square mile.

The population of Beadle County has grown 11.8% since 2010 (17,406 → 19,459), a +0.80% annualized rate.

The median household income in Beadle County, South Dakota is $63,082, with mean (average) household income of $79,653 and per-capita income of $31,506. 7.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Beadle County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (71.3%), Hispanic or Latino (2.8%), Black or African American (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Beadle County, South Dakota is 36.9 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.

The median home value in Beadle County is $178,400 and median monthly rent is $834. 70.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,453 total housing units, 11.5% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Beadle County, South Dakota is manufacturing, employing 23.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.7%.

Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Beadle County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.