Day County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 32nd-largest in South Dakota
The population of Day County, South Dakota is 5,460 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 32nd-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $62,270, the median home value is $155,100, and the median age is 47.1.
The population of Day County has declined 5.3% since 2010 (5,710 → 5,408), a -0.39% annualized rate.
5,460
Population
-0.39%
Annual growth
5
People / sq mi
$62,270
Median Income
$155,100
Median Home Value
Day County covers 1,028 sq mi of land at 5.3 people per square mile.
About Day County, SD
Day County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 5,460. It ranks #32 among counties in South Dakota by population. The median age is 47.1, older than the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The median household income in Day County is $62,270, below the US median of $74,580. 8.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $155,100, with monthly rent averaging $623. The homeownership rate of 75.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Day County reflects 21.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.6% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.1 minutes each way.
Day County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Day County had a population of 5,710 in 2010 and 5,408 in 2024, a -5.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,743 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.38%.
5,408
Population (2024)
5,710
Population (2010)
5,743
Peak (2011)
-0.38%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,710 |
| 2011 | 5,743 |
| 2012 | 5,600 |
| 2013 | 5,583 |
| 2014 | 5,510 |
| 2015 | 5,504 |
| 2016 | 5,515 |
| 2017 | 5,498 |
| 2018 | 5,487 |
| 2019 | 5,414 |
| 2020 | 5,436 |
| 2021 | 5,418 |
| 2022 | 5,478 |
| 2023 | 5,445 |
| 2024 | 5,408 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 11.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.1
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
26.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.8% · Seniors (65+): 26.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,270$-10,151 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,182 |
| Per-capita income | $37,817 |
| Poverty rate | 8.2%+0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Day County is professional & business services, accounting for 17.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
4.3%
Carpool
76.7%
Public transit
11.6%
Work from home
22.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$155,100$-81,700 vs state
Median home value
$623
Median rent
75.8%
Homeownership rate
3,434
Total housing units
68.2%
Occupied
31.8%
Vacant
24.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.5%
With health insurance
87.9%
With broadband internet
21.2%
Foreign-born
9.7%
Veterans (18+)
13.1%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.8%
High School+
21.3%
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
Day County, South Dakota has a population of 5,460 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 32nd-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 5 people per square mile.
The population of Day County has declined 5.3% since 2010 (5,710 → 5,408), a -0.39% annualized rate.
The median household income in Day County, South Dakota is $62,270, with mean (average) household income of $86,182 and per-capita income of $37,817. 8.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Day County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (85.4%), Hispanic or Latino (11.8%), 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 Day County, South Dakota is 47.1 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Day County is $155,100 and median monthly rent is $623. 75.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,434 total housing units, 31.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Day County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 17.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.2%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Day 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.