Bennett County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 45th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Bennett County, South Dakota is 3,354 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 45th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $44,569, the median home value is $138,600, and the median age is 28.8.
The population of Bennett County has declined 4.7% since 2010 (3,451 → 3,289), a -0.34% annualized rate.
3,354
Population
-0.34%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$44,569
Median Income
$138,600
Median Home Value
Bennett County covers 1,185 sq mi of land at 2.8 people per square mile.
About Bennett County, SD
Bennett County skews on age — the median resident is 28.8, younger than the national median. With 3,354 residents, Bennett County is a county in South Dakota. It ranks #45 among counties in South Dakota by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $44,569, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 31.1%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $138,600, with typical rent around $616.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 5.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 13 minutes each way.
Bennett County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bennett County had a population of 3,451 in 2010 and 3,289 in 2024, a -4.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,482 in 2018. Average annual growth rate: -0.34%.
3,289
Population (2024)
3,451
Population (2010)
3,482
Peak (2018)
-0.34%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,451 |
| 2011 | 3,450 |
| 2012 | 3,451 |
| 2013 | 3,467 |
| 2014 | 3,440 |
| 2015 | 3,407 |
| 2016 | 3,458 |
| 2017 | 3,447 |
| 2018 | 3,482 |
| 2019 | 3,364 |
| 2020 | 3,392 |
| 2021 | 3,393 |
| 2022 | 3,339 |
| 2023 | 3,312 |
| 2024 | 3,289 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 37.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 59.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
28.8
Median Age
52.7%
Female
47.3%
Male
15.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 27.6% · Seniors (65+): 15.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $44,569$-27,852 vs state |
| Mean household income | $59,699 |
| Per-capita income | $21,005 |
| Poverty rate | 31.1%+23.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 46.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bennett County is professional & business services, accounting for 38.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
7.7%
Carpool
80.3%
Public transit
5.9%
Work from home
13.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$138,600$-98,200 vs state
Median home value
$616
Median rent
57.7%
Homeownership rate
1,232
Total housing units
83.1%
Occupied
16.9%
Vacant
42.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
70.9%
With health insurance
80.8%
With broadband internet
22.8%
Foreign-born
6.3%
Veterans (18+)
9.6%
With a disability
88.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.9%
High School+
20.3%
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
Bennett County, South Dakota has a population of 3,354 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 45th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Bennett County has declined 4.7% since 2010 (3,451 → 3,289), a -0.34% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bennett County, South Dakota is $44,569, with mean (average) household income of $59,699 and per-capita income of $21,005. 31.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bennett County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (59.5%), White (37.3%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bennett County, South Dakota is 28.8 years. Residents are 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
The median home value in Bennett County is $138,600 and median monthly rent is $616. 57.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,232 total housing units, 16.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bennett County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 38.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Bennett County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
Bennett County, SD Climate
Bennett County, SD has an average annual temperature of 8.5°C (47°F) and receives about 457 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.5°C
Avg Temp
457
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 22° | 8 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 10 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 27 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 50 mm |
| May | 14° / 56° | 75 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 85 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 70 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 45 mm |
| September | 16° / 62° | 36 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 28 mm |
| November | 1° / 34° | 14 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 9 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 Bennett County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Bennett County, SD are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Bennett County
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across South Dakota
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.