Brule County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 34th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Brule County, South Dakota is 5,261 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 34th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $74,043, the median home value is $205,500, and the median age is 41.4.
The population of Brule County has declined 0.4% since 2010 (5,282 → 5,261), a -0.03% annualized rate.
5,261
Population
-0.03%
Annual growth
6
People / sq mi
$74,043
Median Income
$205,500
Median Home Value
Brule County covers 817 sq mi of land at 6.4 people per square mile.
About Brule County, SD
Remote work is unusually prominent in Brule County: 13.7% of workers primarily work from home, above the 14.0% national rate. With 5,261 residents, Brule County is a county in South Dakota. It ranks #34 among counties in South Dakota by population.
The typical household earns $74,043 a year, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.1%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $205,500, with typical rent around $700.
College attainment is above the local norm at 30.2%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 13.7%, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Brule County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Brule County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Brule County had a population of 5,282 in 2010 and 5,261 in 2024, a -0.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,356 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.02%.
5,261
Population (2024)
5,282
Population (2010)
5,356
Peak (2013)
-0.02%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,282 |
| 2011 | 5,296 |
| 2012 | 5,292 |
| 2013 | 5,356 |
| 2014 | 5,277 |
| 2015 | 5,239 |
| 2016 | 5,202 |
| 2017 | 5,300 |
| 2018 | 5,185 |
| 2019 | 5,222 |
| 2020 | 5,250 |
| 2021 | 5,252 |
| 2022 | 5,324 |
| 2023 | 5,326 |
| 2024 | 5,261 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 14.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.4
Median Age
47.7%
Female
52.3%
Male
20.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.3% · Seniors (65+): 20.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $74,043+$1,622 vs state |
| Mean household income | $92,236 |
| Per-capita income | $36,063 |
| Poverty rate | 5.1%-2.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Brule County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
5.0%
Carpool
65.9%
Public transit
13.7%
Work from home
14.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$205,500$-31,300 vs state
Median home value
$700
Median rent
72.5%
Homeownership rate
2,371
Total housing units
81.5%
Occupied
18.5%
Vacant
27.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.4%
With health insurance
89.9%
With broadband internet
20.5%
Foreign-born
5.6%
Veterans (18+)
16.5%
With a disability
96.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.1%
High School+
30.2%
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
Brule County, South Dakota has a population of 5,261 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 34th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 6 people per square mile.
The population of Brule County has declined 0.4% since 2010 (5,282 → 5,261), a -0.03% annualized rate.
The median household income in Brule County, South Dakota is $74,043, with mean (average) household income of $92,236 and per-capita income of $36,063. 5.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Brule County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.0%), Hispanic or Latino (14.3%), Black or African American (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Brule County, South Dakota is 41.4 years. Residents are 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
The median home value in Brule County is $205,500 and median monthly rent is $700. 72.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,371 total housing units, 18.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Brule County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.0%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Brule County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
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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.