Brown County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 4th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Brown County, South Dakota is 38,079 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $70,239, the median home value is $212,900, and the median age is 37.8.
The population of Brown County has grown 2.3% since 2010 (36,655 → 37,495), a +0.16% annualized rate.
38,079
Population
+0.16%
Annual growth
22
People / sq mi
$70,239
Median Income
$212,900
Median Home Value
Brown County covers 1,713 sq mi of land at 22.2 people per square mile.
About Brown County, SD
Brown County is defined demographically by education — 33.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 38,079 residents, Brown County is a county in South Dakota. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in South Dakota in the country, at #4 by population.
The typical household here earns about $70,239, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.1%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $212,900, with typical rent around $794.
About 33.2% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.5%, and the average commute runs about 13 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Brown County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Brown County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Brown County had a population of 36,655 in 2010 and 37,495 in 2024, a 2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 39,332 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: 0.17%.
37,495
Population (2024)
36,655
Population (2010)
39,332
Peak (2017)
0.17%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 36,655 |
| 2011 | 36,932 |
| 2012 | 37,578 |
| 2013 | 38,149 |
| 2014 | 38,278 |
| 2015 | 38,434 |
| 2016 | 38,884 |
| 2017 | 39,332 |
| 2018 | 39,103 |
| 2019 | 38,883 |
| 2020 | 38,219 |
| 2021 | 38,108 |
| 2022 | 37,915 |
| 2023 | 37,650 |
| 2024 | 37,495 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 7.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.8
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
17.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 17.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,239$-2,182 vs state |
| Mean household income | $90,537 |
| Per-capita income | $39,599 |
| Poverty rate | 6.1%-1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 67.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Brown County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
3.9%
Carpool
79.6%
Public transit
6.5%
Work from home
13.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$212,900$-23,900 vs state
Median home value
$794
Median rent
65.7%
Homeownership rate
18,009
Total housing units
90.9%
Occupied
9.1%
Vacant
34.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.5%
With health insurance
94.0%
With broadband internet
23.9%
Foreign-born
6.1%
Veterans (18+)
12.1%
With a disability
93.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.7%
High School+
33.2%
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
Brown County, South Dakota has a population of 38,079 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 22 people per square mile.
The population of Brown County has grown 2.3% since 2010 (36,655 → 37,495), a +0.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Brown County, South Dakota is $70,239, with mean (average) household income of $90,537 and per-capita income of $39,599. 6.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Brown County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (85.7%), Hispanic or Latino (7.0%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Brown County, South Dakota is 37.8 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Brown County is $212,900 and median monthly rent is $794. 65.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 18,009 total housing units, 9.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Brown County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Brown County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
Brown County, SD Climate
Brown County, SD has an average annual temperature of 6.2°C (43°F) and receives about 501 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.2°C
Avg Temp
501
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -12° / 10° | 13 mm |
| February | -8° / 17° | 12 mm |
| March | -1° / 29° | 33 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 51 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 66 mm |
| June | 19° / 67° | 85 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 70 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 57 mm |
| September | 15° / 60° | 48 mm |
| October | 8° / 47° | 37 mm |
| November | -2° / 29° | 18 mm |
| December | -9° / 15° | 11 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 Brown County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Brown County, SD are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -18°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Brown County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.