Douglas County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 50th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Douglas County, South Dakota is 2,823 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 50th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $78,125, the median home value is $125,000, and the median age is 41.9.
The population of Douglas County has declined 4.7% since 2010 (2,991 → 2,849), a -0.35% annualized rate.
2,823
Population
-0.35%
Annual growth
7
People / sq mi
$78,125
Median Income
$125,000
Median Home Value
Douglas County covers 432 sq mi of land at 6.5 people per square mile.
About Douglas County, SD
What distinguishes Douglas County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 7 people per square mile. With 2,823 residents, Douglas County is a county in South Dakota. It ranks #50 among counties in South Dakota by population.
The typical household earns $78,125 a year, near the US median of $78,538. About 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $125,000, with typical rent around $864.
Roughly 22.9% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 8.7% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Douglas County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Douglas County had a population of 2,991 in 2010 and 2,849 in 2024, a -4.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 2,991 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.34%.
2,849
Population (2024)
2,991
Population (2010)
2,991
Peak (2010)
-0.34%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,991 |
| 2011 | 2,970 |
| 2012 | 2,944 |
| 2013 | 2,969 |
| 2014 | 2,924 |
| 2015 | 2,947 |
| 2016 | 2,911 |
| 2017 | 2,914 |
| 2018 | 2,919 |
| 2019 | 2,911 |
| 2020 | 2,834 |
| 2021 | 2,813 |
| 2022 | 2,797 |
| 2023 | 2,844 |
| 2024 | 2,849 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.1% |
| Black or African American | 1.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.9
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
23.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 22.1% · Seniors (65+): 23.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $78,125+$5,704 vs state |
| Mean household income | $93,588 |
| Per-capita income | $37,172 |
| Poverty rate | 7.2%-0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 67.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Douglas County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
9.1%
Carpool
76.1%
Public transit
8.7%
Work from home
20.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$125,000$-111,800 vs state
Median home value
$864
Median rent
77.7%
Homeownership rate
1,354
Total housing units
82.5%
Occupied
17.5%
Vacant
22.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
81.2%
With health insurance
89.0%
With broadband internet
21.1%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
11.2%
With a disability
97.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.7%
High School+
22.9%
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
Douglas County, South Dakota has a population of 2,823 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 50th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 7 people per square mile.
The population of Douglas County has declined 4.7% since 2010 (2,991 → 2,849), a -0.35% annualized rate.
The median household income in Douglas County, South Dakota is $78,125, with mean (average) household income of $93,588 and per-capita income of $37,172. 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Douglas County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.1%), Hispanic or Latino (2.6%), Black or African American (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Douglas County, South Dakota is 41.9 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Douglas County is $125,000 and median monthly rent is $864. 77.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,354 total housing units, 17.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Douglas County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.5%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Douglas County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
Douglas County, SD Climate
Douglas County, SD has an average annual temperature of 8.8°C (48°F) and receives about 586 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.8°C
Avg Temp
586
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -8° / 18° | 13 mm |
| February | -4° / 25° | 17 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 42 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 62 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 81 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 96 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 77 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 58 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 61 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 39 mm |
| November | 1° / 34° | 23 mm |
| December | -6° / 22° | 17 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 Douglas County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Douglas County, SD are typically August, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -14°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Douglas 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.