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
Metro areas in South Dakota
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.
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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.