Corson County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 42nd-largest in South Dakota
The population of Corson County, South Dakota is 3,859 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 42nd-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $43,750, the median home value is $73,800, and the median age is 29.9.
The population of Corson County has declined 7.8% since 2010 (4,064 → 3,747), a -0.58% annualized rate.
3,859
Population
-0.58%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$43,750
Median Income
$73,800
Median Home Value
Corson County covers 2,470 sq mi of land at 1.6 people per square mile.
About Corson County, SD
Remote work is unusually prominent in Corson County: 27.5% of workers primarily work from home, above the 14.0% national rate. With 3,859 residents, Corson County is a county in South Dakota. It ranks #42 among counties in South Dakota by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $43,750, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 35.2%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $73,800, with typical rent around $473.
19.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 27.5% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Corson County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Corson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Corson County had a population of 4,064 in 2010 and 3,747 in 2024, a -7.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 4,206 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.56%.
3,747
Population (2024)
4,064
Population (2010)
4,206
Peak (2013)
-0.56%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,064 |
| 2011 | 4,034 |
| 2012 | 4,067 |
| 2013 | 4,206 |
| 2014 | 4,170 |
| 2015 | 4,172 |
| 2016 | 4,098 |
| 2017 | 4,187 |
| 2018 | 4,137 |
| 2019 | 4,076 |
| 2020 | 3,888 |
| 2021 | 3,842 |
| 2022 | 3,797 |
| 2023 | 3,756 |
| 2024 | 3,747 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 30.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 69.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
29.9
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
12.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 29.3% · Seniors (65+): 12.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $43,750$-28,671 vs state |
| Mean household income | $67,937 |
| Per-capita income | $20,743 |
| Poverty rate | 35.2%+27.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 13.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 44.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Corson County is agriculture, accounting for 27.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.7%
Carpool
63.7%
Public transit
27.5%
Work from home
20.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$73,800$-163,000 vs state
Median home value
$473
Median rent
60.5%
Homeownership rate
1,360
Total housing units
81.8%
Occupied
18.2%
Vacant
39.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
81.2%
With health insurance
79.2%
With broadband internet
62.6%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
15.2%
With a disability
87.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.8%
High School+
19.2%
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
Corson County, South Dakota has a population of 3,859 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 42nd-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of Corson County has declined 7.8% since 2010 (4,064 → 3,747), a -0.58% annualized rate.
The median household income in Corson County, South Dakota is $43,750, with mean (average) household income of $67,937 and per-capita income of $20,743. 35.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Corson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (69.4%), White (30.1%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Corson County, South Dakota is 29.9 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Corson County is $73,800 and median monthly rent is $473. 60.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,360 total housing units, 18.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Corson County, South Dakota is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 27.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 13.4%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Corson County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
Corson County, SD Climate
Corson County, SD has an average annual temperature of 7°C (45°F) and receives about 422 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7°C
Avg Temp
422
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 14° | 7 mm |
| February | -6° / 21° | 10 mm |
| March | 0° / 31° | 23 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 50 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 67 mm |
| June | 19° / 67° | 79 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 54 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 47 mm |
| September | 16° / 61° | 35 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 27 mm |
| November | -1° / 30° | 12 mm |
| December | -8° / 18° | 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 Corson County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Corson County, SD are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Corson County
Visiting or relocating to Corson County, SD? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Corson County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Corson County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Corson County, SD by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from South Dakota
Population 200,689
Population 112,081
Population 68,286
Population 38,079
Full rankings of South Dakota counties
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.