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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

Age is the most distinctive thing about Beadle County: a median age of 36.9, younger than the national median. With 19,279 residents, Beadle County is a county in South Dakota. It ranks #11 among counties in South Dakota by population.

Median household income is $63,082, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.4%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $178,400, with typical rent around $834.

26.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.4%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 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
Beadle County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

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.