Butte County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 17th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Butte County, South Dakota is 10,538 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $67,692, the median home value is $207,700, and the median age is 39.3.
The population of Butte County has grown 7.4% since 2010 (10,144 → 10,891), a +0.51% annualized rate.
10,538
Population
+0.51%
Annual growth
5
People / sq mi
$67,692
Median Income
$207,700
Median Home Value
Butte County covers 2,250 sq mi of land at 4.7 people per square mile.
About Butte County, SD
Butte County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 10,538. It ranks #17 among counties in South Dakota by population. The median age is 39.3, in line with the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The median household income in Butte County is $67,692, below the US median of $74,580. 6.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $207,700, with monthly rent averaging $940. The homeownership rate of 80.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Butte County reflects 19.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.7 minutes each way.
Butte County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Butte County had a population of 10,144 in 2010 and 10,891 in 2024, a 7.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 10,891 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.52%.
10,891
Population (2024)
10,144
Population (2010)
10,891
Peak (2024)
0.52%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,144 |
| 2011 | 10,312 |
| 2012 | 10,222 |
| 2013 | 10,288 |
| 2014 | 10,254 |
| 2015 | 10,219 |
| 2016 | 10,130 |
| 2017 | 10,128 |
| 2018 | 10,259 |
| 2019 | 10,418 |
| 2020 | 10,291 |
| 2021 | 10,544 |
| 2022 | 10,788 |
| 2023 | 10,868 |
| 2024 | 10,891 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 5.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
39.3
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
19.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 19.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,692$-4,729 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,955 |
| Per-capita income | $36,097 |
| Poverty rate | 6.2%-1.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Butte County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
8.3%
Carpool
71.9%
Public transit
9.0%
Work from home
21.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$207,700$-29,100 vs state
Median home value
$940
Median rent
80.5%
Homeownership rate
4,737
Total housing units
89.3%
Occupied
10.7%
Vacant
19.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
84.2%
With health insurance
92.0%
With broadband internet
37.0%
Foreign-born
7.8%
Veterans (18+)
13.3%
With a disability
98.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.3%
High School+
19.4%
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
Butte County, South Dakota has a population of 10,538 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 5 people per square mile.
The population of Butte County has grown 7.4% since 2010 (10,144 → 10,891), a +0.51% annualized rate.
The median household income in Butte County, South Dakota is $67,692, with mean (average) household income of $87,955 and per-capita income of $36,097. 6.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Butte County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.2%), Hispanic or Latino (5.7%), Two or more races (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Butte County, South Dakota is 39.3 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Butte County is $207,700 and median monthly rent is $940. 80.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,737 total housing units, 10.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Butte County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Butte 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.