Harding County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 65th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Harding County, South Dakota is 1,092 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 65th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $74,766, the median home value is $156,400, and the median age is 48.9.
The population of Harding County has grown 6.3% since 2010 (1,246 → 1,325), a +0.44% annualized rate.
1,092
Population
+0.44%
Annual growth
0
People / sq mi
$74,766
Median Income
$156,400
Median Home Value
Harding County covers 2,672 sq mi of land at 0.4 people per square mile.
About Harding County, SD
What distinguishes Harding County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 0 people per square mile. Harding County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 1,092.
Median household income is $74,766, near the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 2.8%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $156,400, with typical rent around $478.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 30.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. An unusually large 22.7% of workers are remote, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Harding County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Harding County had a population of 1,246 in 2010 and 1,325 in 2024, a 6.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,329 in 2022. Average annual growth rate: 0.46%.
1,325
Population (2024)
1,246
Population (2010)
1,329
Peak (2022)
0.46%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,246 |
| 2011 | 1,275 |
| 2012 | 1,304 |
| 2013 | 1,259 |
| 2014 | 1,245 |
| 2015 | 1,269 |
| 2016 | 1,266 |
| 2017 | 1,243 |
| 2018 | 1,252 |
| 2019 | 1,307 |
| 2020 | 1,308 |
| 2021 | 1,325 |
| 2022 | 1,329 |
| 2023 | 1,314 |
| 2024 | 1,325 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 8.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.9
Median Age
44.9%
Female
55.1%
Male
20.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.8% · Seniors (65+): 20.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $74,766+$2,345 vs state |
| Mean household income | $109,939 |
| Per-capita income | $48,974 |
| Poverty rate | 2.8%-4.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 75.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Harding County is agriculture, accounting for 45.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
11.2%
Carpool
55.6%
Public transit
22.7%
Work from home
17.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$156,400$-80,400 vs state
Median home value
$478
Median rent
77.1%
Homeownership rate
702
Total housing units
70.2%
Occupied
29.8%
Vacant
22.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.6%
With health insurance
93.1%
With broadband internet
37.5%
Foreign-born
9.5%
Veterans (18+)
8.2%
With a disability
96.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.5%
High School+
30.4%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Harding County, South Dakota has a population of 1,092 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 65th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 0 people per square mile.
The population of Harding County has grown 6.3% since 2010 (1,246 → 1,325), a +0.44% annualized rate.
The median household income in Harding County, South Dakota is $74,766, with mean (average) household income of $109,939 and per-capita income of $48,974. 2.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Harding County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.6%), Hispanic or Latino (8.2%), Black or African American (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Harding County, South Dakota is 48.9 years. Residents are 44.9% female and 55.1% male.
The median home value in Harding County is $156,400 and median monthly rent is $478. 77.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 702 total housing units, 29.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Harding County, South Dakota is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 45.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.8%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Harding 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.