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 a county in South Dakota with a population of 38,079. It ranks #4 among counties in South Dakota by population. The median age is 37.8, in line with the national median. The population is 49.2% male and 50.8% female.
The median household income in Brown County is $70,239, below the US median of $74,580. 6.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $212,900, with monthly rent averaging $794. The homeownership rate of 65.7% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Brown County reflects 33.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 13.4 minutes each way.
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.
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Full rankings of South Dakota counties
Statewide data for South Dakota
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.