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 stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 5 people per square mile. Day County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 5,460. It ranks #32 among counties in South Dakota by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $62,270 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.2%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $155,100, with typical rent around $623.
21.3% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 11.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 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
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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.
Day County, SD Climate
Day County, SD has an average annual temperature of 6°C (43°F) and receives about 526 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6°C
Avg Temp
526
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -12° / 10° | 14 mm |
| February | -8° / 17° | 14 mm |
| March | -2° / 29° | 28 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 47 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 71 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 87 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 79 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 71 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 49 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 35 mm |
| November | -2° / 29° | 18 mm |
| December | -9° / 15° | 13 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 Day County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Day County, SD are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -18°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Day County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.