Buffalo County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 60th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Buffalo County, South Dakota is 1,757 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 60th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $47,000, the median home value is $108,000, and the median age is 26.2.
The population of Buffalo County has declined 5.6% since 2010 (1,934 → 1,825), a -0.41% annualized rate.
1,757
Population
-0.41%
Annual growth
4
People / sq mi
$47,000
Median Income
$108,000
Median Home Value
Buffalo County covers 471 sq mi of land at 3.7 people per square mile.
About Buffalo County, SD
Buffalo County is defined demographically by education — 7.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. Buffalo County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 1,757.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $47,000, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 30.7%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $108,000, with typical rent around $535.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 7.0%, below the national 35.0%. About 12.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
Buffalo County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Buffalo County had a population of 1,934 in 2010 and 1,825 in 2024, a -5.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 2,099 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: -0.39%.
1,825
Population (2024)
1,934
Population (2010)
2,099
Peak (2015)
-0.39%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,934 |
| 2011 | 1,979 |
| 2012 | 2,016 |
| 2013 | 2,025 |
| 2014 | 2,087 |
| 2015 | 2,099 |
| 2016 | 2,035 |
| 2017 | 2,014 |
| 2018 | 2,039 |
| 2019 | 1,982 |
| 2020 | 1,938 |
| 2021 | 1,894 |
| 2022 | 1,848 |
| 2023 | 1,884 |
| 2024 | 1,825 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 21.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 76.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
26.2
Median Age
45.4%
Female
54.6%
Male
9.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 29.0% · Seniors (65+): 9.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $47,000$-25,421 vs state |
| Mean household income | $54,977 |
| Per-capita income | $17,408 |
| Poverty rate | 30.7%+23.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Buffalo County is professional & business services, accounting for 33.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.2%
Carpool
76.7%
Public transit
12.9%
Work from home
14.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$108,000$-128,800 vs state
Median home value
$535
Median rent
52.6%
Homeownership rate
577
Total housing units
86.0%
Occupied
14.0%
Vacant
47.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
57.1%
With health insurance
77.6%
With broadband internet
6.3%
Foreign-born
11.4%
Veterans (18+)
15.7%
With a disability
98.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.6%
High School+
7.0%
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
Buffalo County, South Dakota has a population of 1,757 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 60th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 4 people per square mile.
The population of Buffalo County has declined 5.6% since 2010 (1,934 → 1,825), a -0.41% annualized rate.
The median household income in Buffalo County, South Dakota is $47,000, with mean (average) household income of $54,977 and per-capita income of $17,408. 30.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Buffalo County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (76.2%), White (21.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Buffalo County, South Dakota is 26.2 years. Residents are 45.4% female and 54.6% male.
The median home value in Buffalo County is $108,000 and median monthly rent is $535. 52.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 577 total housing units, 14.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Buffalo County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 33.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.2%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Buffalo County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
Buffalo County, SD Climate
Buffalo County, SD has an average annual temperature of 7.9°C (46°F) and receives about 490 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.9°C
Avg Temp
490
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -9° / 15° | 7 mm |
| February | -5° / 22° | 11 mm |
| March | 1° / 33° | 31 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 53 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 74 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 80 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 68 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 55 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 44 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 40 mm |
| November | 0° / 33° | 17 mm |
| December | -6° / 20° | 10 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 Buffalo County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Buffalo County, SD are typically August, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Buffalo 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.