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 defined demographically by education — 35.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, near the national average. Hughes County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 17,732. It ranks #12 among counties in South Dakota by population.
Households take in a median $78,981, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.5%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $221,100, with typical rent around $930.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 35.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. Just 5.1% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Hughes County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
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.
Hughes County, SD Climate
Hughes County, SD has an average annual temperature of 8°C (46°F) and receives about 463 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8°C
Avg Temp
463
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -9° / 16° | 9 mm |
| February | -5° / 22° | 13 mm |
| March | 1° / 33° | 33 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 52 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 67 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 79 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 66 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 51 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 34 mm |
| October | 10° / 49° | 33 mm |
| November | 0° / 32° | 15 mm |
| December | -6° / 20° | 11 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 Hughes County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Hughes County, SD are typically August, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -15°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Hughes 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.