Jones County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 66th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Jones County, South Dakota is 1,030 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 66th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $64,688, the median home value is $117,100, and the median age is 33.6.
The population of Jones County has declined 13.6% since 2010 (1,011 → 874), a -1.03% annualized rate.
1,030
Population
-1.03%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$64,688
Median Income
$117,100
Median Home Value
Jones County covers 970 sq mi of land at 1.1 people per square mile.
About Jones County, SD
Jones County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 1 people per square mile. With 1,030 residents, Jones County is a county in South Dakota.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $64,688 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 14.2%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $117,100, with typical rent around $544.
25.3% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 11.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Jones County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jones County had a population of 1,011 in 2010 and 874 in 2024, a -13.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,011 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.02%.
874
Population (2024)
1,011
Population (2010)
1,011
Peak (2010)
-1.02%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,011 |
| 2011 | 1,004 |
| 2012 | 991 |
| 2013 | 972 |
| 2014 | 956 |
| 2015 | 917 |
| 2016 | 929 |
| 2017 | 918 |
| 2018 | 924 |
| 2019 | 911 |
| 2020 | 923 |
| 2021 | 876 |
| 2022 | 870 |
| 2023 | 862 |
| 2024 | 874 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 15.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
33.6
Median Age
57.7%
Female
42.3%
Male
21.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 26.0% · Seniors (65+): 21.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,688$-7,733 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,421 |
| Per-capita income | $29,059 |
| Poverty rate | 14.2%+6.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jones County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
14.1%
Carpool
67.3%
Public transit
11.5%
Work from home
15.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$117,100$-119,700 vs state
Median home value
$544
Median rent
73.5%
Homeownership rate
478
Total housing units
74.3%
Occupied
25.7%
Vacant
26.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.9%
With health insurance
90.7%
With broadband internet
20.9%
Foreign-born
5.7%
Veterans (18+)
8.0%
With a disability
95.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.5%
High School+
25.3%
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
Jones County, South Dakota has a population of 1,030 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 66th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Jones County has declined 13.6% since 2010 (1,011 → 874), a -1.03% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jones County, South Dakota is $64,688, with mean (average) household income of $80,421 and per-capita income of $29,059. 14.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jones County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.9%), Hispanic or Latino (15.0%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Jones County, South Dakota is 33.6 years. Residents are 57.7% female and 42.3% male.
The median home value in Jones County is $117,100 and median monthly rent is $544. 73.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 478 total housing units, 25.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jones County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.0%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Jones County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
Jones County, SD Climate
Jones County, SD has an average annual temperature of 8.6°C (47°F) and receives about 475 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.6°C
Avg Temp
475
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 19° | 10 mm |
| February | -4° / 26° | 12 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 36 mm |
| April | 8° / 47° | 55 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 73 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 80 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 67 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 43 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 33 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 38 mm |
| November | 1° / 34° | 17 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 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 Jones County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Jones 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 -13°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Jones 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.