Dewey County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 35th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Dewey County, South Dakota is 5,230 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 35th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $57,928, the median home value is $75,400, and the median age is 27.6.
The population of Dewey County has declined 0.1% since 2010 (5,325 → 5,322), a -0.00% annualized rate.
5,230
Population
-0.00%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$57,928
Median Income
$75,400
Median Home Value
Dewey County covers 2,302 sq mi of land at 2.3 people per square mile.
About Dewey County, SD
Dewey County skews on age — the median resident is 27.6, younger than the national median. With 5,230 residents, Dewey County is a county in South Dakota. It ranks #35 among counties in South Dakota by population.
Median household income is $57,928, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 26.0%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $75,400, with typical rent around $714.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.3%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 14.5%, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Dewey County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Dewey County had a population of 5,325 in 2010 and 5,322 in 2024, a -0.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,904 in 2018. Average annual growth rate: 0.06%.
5,322
Population (2024)
5,325
Population (2010)
5,904
Peak (2018)
0.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,325 |
| 2011 | 5,396 |
| 2012 | 5,532 |
| 2013 | 5,584 |
| 2014 | 5,666 |
| 2015 | 5,702 |
| 2016 | 5,787 |
| 2017 | 5,854 |
| 2018 | 5,904 |
| 2019 | 5,872 |
| 2020 | 5,225 |
| 2021 | 5,221 |
| 2022 | 5,078 |
| 2023 | 5,179 |
| 2024 | 5,322 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 20.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 78.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
27.6
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
9.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 32.1% · Seniors (65+): 9.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $57,928$-14,493 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,239 |
| Per-capita income | $21,940 |
| Poverty rate | 26.0%+18.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 9.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Dewey County is professional & business services, accounting for 32.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
70.5%
Public transit
14.5%
Work from home
17.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$75,400$-161,400 vs state
Median home value
$714
Median rent
61.5%
Homeownership rate
1,927
Total housing units
87.2%
Occupied
12.8%
Vacant
38.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
76.5%
With health insurance
81.1%
With broadband internet
12.6%
Foreign-born
4.6%
Veterans (18+)
9.5%
With a disability
92.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.9%
High School+
17.3%
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
Dewey County, South Dakota has a population of 5,230 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 35th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of Dewey County has declined 0.1% since 2010 (5,325 → 5,322), a -0.00% annualized rate.
The median household income in Dewey County, South Dakota is $57,928, with mean (average) household income of $69,239 and per-capita income of $21,940. 26.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Dewey County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (78.1%), White (20.2%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Dewey County, South Dakota is 27.6 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Dewey County is $75,400 and median monthly rent is $714. 61.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,927 total housing units, 12.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Dewey County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 32.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 9.7%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Dewey County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
Dewey County, SD Climate
Dewey County, SD has an average annual temperature of 7.2°C (45°F) and receives about 451 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.2°C
Avg Temp
451
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -9° / 15° | 9 mm |
| February | -6° / 22° | 13 mm |
| March | 0° / 32° | 32 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 54 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 75 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 78 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 56 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 47 mm |
| September | 16° / 61° | 33 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 28 mm |
| November | -1° / 31° | 13 mm |
| December | -7° / 19° | 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 Dewey County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Dewey 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 -15°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Dewey County
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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.