Hand County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 47th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Hand County, South Dakota is 3,045 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 47th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $72,054, the median home value is $152,100, and the median age is 43.8.
The population of Hand County has declined 9.8% since 2010 (3,434 → 3,097), a -0.74% annualized rate.
3,045
Population
-0.74%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$72,054
Median Income
$152,100
Median Home Value
Hand County covers 1,437 sq mi of land at 2.1 people per square mile.
About Hand County, SD
The poverty rate is what most separates Hand County from the typical county: 3.4% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Hand County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 3,045. It ranks #47 among counties in South Dakota by population.
Households take in a median $72,054, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. Very few residents live in poverty — 3.4%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $152,100, with typical rent around $553.
Roughly 26.2% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 10.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 13 minutes each way.
Hand County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hand County had a population of 3,434 in 2010 and 3,097 in 2024, a -9.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,435 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.73%.
3,097
Population (2024)
3,434
Population (2010)
3,435
Peak (2011)
-0.73%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,434 |
| 2011 | 3,435 |
| 2012 | 3,377 |
| 2013 | 3,375 |
| 2014 | 3,340 |
| 2015 | 3,305 |
| 2016 | 3,275 |
| 2017 | 3,273 |
| 2018 | 3,234 |
| 2019 | 3,170 |
| 2020 | 3,147 |
| 2021 | 3,087 |
| 2022 | 3,123 |
| 2023 | 3,114 |
| 2024 | 3,097 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.8
Median Age
48.7%
Female
51.3%
Male
24.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.1% · Seniors (65+): 24.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,054$-367 vs state |
| Mean household income | $95,268 |
| Per-capita income | $43,377 |
| Poverty rate | 3.4%-4.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 68.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hand County is agriculture, accounting for 30.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
9.6%
Carpool
73.6%
Public transit
10.6%
Work from home
13.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$152,100$-84,700 vs state
Median home value
$553
Median rent
64.2%
Homeownership rate
1,698
Total housing units
80.9%
Occupied
19.1%
Vacant
35.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.9%
With health insurance
92.1%
With broadband internet
16.8%
Foreign-born
4.6%
Veterans (18+)
13.0%
With a disability
96.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.4%
High School+
26.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in South Dakota
Other counties in South Dakota
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hand County, South Dakota has a population of 3,045 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 47th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of Hand County has declined 9.8% since 2010 (3,434 → 3,097), a -0.74% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hand County, South Dakota is $72,054, with mean (average) household income of $95,268 and per-capita income of $43,377. 3.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hand County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%), 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 Hand County, South Dakota is 43.8 years. Residents are 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
The median home value in Hand County is $152,100 and median monthly rent is $553. 64.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,698 total housing units, 19.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hand County, South Dakota is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 30.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.8%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Hand 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.