Hughes County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 12th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Hughes County, South Dakota is 17,732 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 12th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $78,981, the median home value is $221,100, and the median age is 39.3.
The population of Hughes County has grown 2.6% since 2010 (17,077 → 17,526), a +0.19% annualized rate.
17,732
Population
+0.19%
Annual growth
24
People / sq mi
$78,981
Median Income
$221,100
Median Home Value
Hughes County covers 742 sq mi of land at 23.9 people per square mile.
About Hughes County, SD
Hughes County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 17,732. It ranks #12 among counties in South Dakota by population. The median age is 39.3, in line with the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Hughes County is $78,981, above the US median of $74,580. 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $221,100, with monthly rent averaging $930. The homeownership rate of 75.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Hughes County reflects 35.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 13.7 minutes each way.
Hughes County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hughes County had a population of 17,077 in 2010 and 17,526 in 2024, a 2.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,762 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: 0.19%.
17,526
Population (2024)
17,077
Population (2010)
17,762
Peak (2021)
0.19%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,077 |
| 2011 | 17,317 |
| 2012 | 17,445 |
| 2013 | 17,444 |
| 2014 | 17,647 |
| 2015 | 17,579 |
| 2016 | 17,615 |
| 2017 | 17,697 |
| 2018 | 17,663 |
| 2019 | 17,487 |
| 2020 | 17,741 |
| 2021 | 17,762 |
| 2022 | 17,674 |
| 2023 | 17,617 |
| 2024 | 17,526 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 81.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 14.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.3
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
17.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.2% · Seniors (65+): 17.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $78,981+$6,560 vs state |
| Mean household income | $93,294 |
| Per-capita income | $38,880 |
| Poverty rate | 5.5%-1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hughes County is public administration, accounting for 23.4% of workers.
How residents commute
1.0%
Drive alone
3.1%
Carpool
78.6%
Public transit
5.1%
Work from home
13.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$221,100$-15,700 vs state
Median home value
$930
Median rent
75.2%
Homeownership rate
7,957
Total housing units
91.9%
Occupied
8.1%
Vacant
24.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.9%
With health insurance
95.1%
With broadband internet
29.8%
Foreign-born
9.1%
Veterans (18+)
12.4%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.1%
High School+
35.9%
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
Hughes County, South Dakota has a population of 17,732 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 12th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 24 people per square mile.
The population of Hughes County has grown 2.6% since 2010 (17,077 → 17,526), a +0.19% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hughes County, South Dakota is $78,981, with mean (average) household income of $93,294 and per-capita income of $38,880. 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hughes County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (81.2%), Hispanic or Latino (14.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hughes County, South Dakota is 39.3 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Hughes County is $221,100 and median monthly rent is $930. 75.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,957 total housing units, 8.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hughes County, South Dakota is public administration, employing 23.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.4%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Hughes 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.