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 stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 5 people per square mile. With 10,538 residents, Butte County is a county in South Dakota. It ranks #17 among counties in South Dakota by population.
Median household income is $67,692, below the US median of $78,538. Only 6.2% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $207,700, with typical rent around $940.
19.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 9.0% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 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.
Butte County, SD Climate
Butte County, SD has an average annual temperature of 7.9°C (46°F) and receives about 692 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
692
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 20° | 33 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 35 mm |
| March | 1° / 34° | 58 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 70 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 90 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 91 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 70 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 62 mm |
| September | 16° / 61° | 56 mm |
| October | 9° / 47° | 46 mm |
| November | 0° / 33° | 41 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 40 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 Butte County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Butte County, SD are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Butte County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.