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+
Largest cities in South Dakota
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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.
Harding County, SD Climate
Harding County, SD has an average annual temperature of 7.1°C (45°F) and receives about 391 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.1°C
Avg Temp
391
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -8° / 17° | 8 mm |
| February | -5° / 24° | 8 mm |
| March | 0° / 33° | 17 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 42 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 72 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 81 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 50 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 35 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 32 mm |
| October | 8° / 47° | 25 mm |
| November | -1° / 31° | 11 mm |
| December | -6° / 20° | 10 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 Harding County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Harding 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 -14°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Harding County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.