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Population Review

Jackson County, South Dakota Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 49th-largest in South Dakota

The population of Jackson County, South Dakota is 2,826 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 49th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $26,686, the median home value is $111,500, and the median age is 33.2.

The population of Jackson County has declined 10.2% since 2010 (3,049 → 2,737), a -0.77% annualized rate.

Jackson County within South Dakota · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

2,826

Population

-0.77%

Annual growth

2

People / sq mi

$26,686

Median Income

$111,500

Median Home Value

Jackson County covers 1,864 sq mi of land at 1.5 people per square mile.

About Jackson County, SD

Jackson County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 2,826. It ranks #49 among counties in South Dakota by population. The median age is 33.2, younger than the national median. The population is 46.9% male and 53.1% female.

The median household income in Jackson County is $26,686, below the US median of $74,580. 38.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $111,500, with monthly rent averaging $460. The homeownership rate of 60.8% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Jackson County reflects 11.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 16.3% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 10.2 minutes each way.

Jackson County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Jackson County had a population of 3,049 in 2010 and 2,737 in 2024, a -10.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,335 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.66%.

2019 · 3K20102024

2,737

Population (2024)

3,049

Population (2010)

3,335

Peak (2019)

-0.66%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
20103,049
20113,158
20123,174
20133,236
20143,273
20153,281
20163,271
20173,277
20183,277
20193,335
20202,803
20212,867
20222,833
20232,772
20242,737

Race & Ethnicity

White36.2%
Black or African American0.2%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)63.1%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

33.2

Median Age

53.1%

Female

46.9%

Male

12.5%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
8.7%
5–9
8.2%
10–14
10.4%
15–19
8.5%
20–24
5.5%
25–34
11.7%
35–44
11.7%
45–54
9.4%
55–59
7.0%
60–64
6.4%
65–74
5.3%
75–84
5.1%
85+
2.1%

Children (under 15): 27.3% · Seniors (65+): 12.5%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$26,686$-45,735 vs state
Mean household income$49,471
Per-capita income$17,120
Poverty rate38.9%+31.5% vs state
Unemployment rate3.9%
Employment-to-population42.6%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
30.6%
Agriculture
17.9%
Education & health care
9.4%
Public administration
7.6%
Manufacturing
5.3%
Construction
3.3%
Retail trade
3.1%
Information
2.9%

The largest employment sector in Jackson County is professional & business services, accounting for 30.6% of workers.

How residents commute

0.0%

Drive alone

3.0%

Carpool

76.3%

Public transit

16.3%

Work from home

10.2 min

Avg commute

Housing

$111,500$-125,300 vs state

Median home value

$460

Median rent

60.8%

Homeownership rate

1,018

Total housing units

72.7%

Occupied

27.3%

Vacant

39.2%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

70.8%

With health insurance

81.6%

With broadband internet

14.3%

Foreign-born

3.1%

Veterans (18+)

9.4%

With a disability

93.5%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

89.3%

High School+

11.4%

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

Jackson County, South Dakota has a population of 2,826 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 49th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 2 people per square mile.

The population of Jackson County has declined 10.2% since 2010 (3,049 → 2,737), a -0.77% annualized rate.

The median household income in Jackson County, South Dakota is $26,686, with mean (average) household income of $49,471 and per-capita income of $17,120. 38.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Jackson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (63.1%), White (36.2%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Jackson County, South Dakota is 33.2 years. Residents are 53.1% female and 46.9% male.

The median home value in Jackson County is $111,500 and median monthly rent is $460. 60.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,018 total housing units, 27.3% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Jackson County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 30.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.

Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Jackson County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.