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.
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%.
19,459
Population (2024)
17,406
Population (2010)
19,459
Peak (2024)
0.81%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,406 |
| 2011 | 17,712 |
| 2012 | 18,003 |
| 2013 | 18,217 |
| 2014 | 18,073 |
| 2015 | 18,146 |
| 2016 | 18,154 |
| 2017 | 18,397 |
| 2018 | 18,239 |
| 2019 | 18,389 |
| 2020 | 19,166 |
| 2021 | 19,185 |
| 2022 | 19,356 |
| 2023 | 19,380 |
| 2024 | 19,459 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 71.3% |
| Black or African American | 1.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.9
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
18.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 7.4% |
| Unemployment rate | 1.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
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.
Beadle County, SD Climate
Beadle County, SD has an average annual temperature of 7.4°C (45°F) and receives about 516 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.4°C
Avg Temp
516
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 13° | 11 mm |
| February | -6° / 21° | 14 mm |
| March | 0° / 32° | 39 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 58 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 75 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 83 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 71 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 52 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 45 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 37 mm |
| November | 0° / 31° | 21 mm |
| December | -8° / 18° | 10 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Beadle County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Beadle County, SD are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Beadle County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.