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.
Brule County, SD Climate
Brule County, SD has an average annual temperature of 8.2°C (47°F) and receives about 539 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.2°C
Avg Temp
539
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -8° / 17° | 10 mm |
| February | -5° / 24° | 13 mm |
| March | 1° / 34° | 35 mm |
| April | 8° / 47° | 60 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 85 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 84 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 70 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 55 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 52 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 43 mm |
| November | 1° / 33° | 21 mm |
| December | -6° / 22° | 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 Brule County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Brule County, SD are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -15°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Brule County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.