Lake County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 16th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Lake County, South Dakota is 11,052 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 16th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $73,792, the median home value is $231,000, and the median age is 43.7.
The population of Lake County has declined 2.4% since 2010 (11,278 → 11,006), a -0.17% annualized rate.
11,052
Population
-0.17%
Annual growth
20
People / sq mi
$73,792
Median Income
$231,000
Median Home Value
Lake County covers 563 sq mi of land at 19.6 people per square mile.
About Lake County, SD
The poverty rate is what most separates Lake County from the typical county: 4.9% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Lake County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 11,052. It ranks #16 among counties in South Dakota by population.
Households take in a median $73,792, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 4.9%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $231,000, with typical rent around $868.
About 34.7% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.6%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Lake County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lake County had a population of 11,278 in 2010 and 11,006 in 2024, a -2.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,045 in 2018. Average annual growth rate: -0.09%.
11,006
Population (2024)
11,278
Population (2010)
13,045
Peak (2018)
-0.09%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 11,278 |
| 2011 | 11,563 |
| 2012 | 11,757 |
| 2013 | 11,921 |
| 2014 | 12,101 |
| 2015 | 12,350 |
| 2016 | 12,621 |
| 2017 | 12,814 |
| 2018 | 13,045 |
| 2019 | 12,769 |
| 2020 | 11,016 |
| 2021 | 10,862 |
| 2022 | 10,945 |
| 2023 | 11,033 |
| 2024 | 11,006 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.7
Median Age
47.5%
Female
52.5%
Male
23.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.9% · Seniors (65+): 23.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $73,792+$1,371 vs state |
| Mean household income | $100,698 |
| Per-capita income | $43,820 |
| Poverty rate | 4.9%-2.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lake County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.6% of workers.
How residents commute
1.4%
Drive alone
4.7%
Carpool
78.0%
Public transit
9.6%
Work from home
15.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$231,000$-5,800 vs state
Median home value
$868
Median rent
71.4%
Homeownership rate
5,747
Total housing units
80.6%
Occupied
19.4%
Vacant
28.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.4%
With health insurance
93.9%
With broadband internet
27.8%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
14.8%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.7%
High School+
34.7%
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
Lake County, South Dakota has a population of 11,052 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 16th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 20 people per square mile.
The population of Lake County has declined 2.4% since 2010 (11,278 → 11,006), a -0.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lake County, South Dakota is $73,792, with mean (average) household income of $100,698 and per-capita income of $43,820. 4.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lake County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.1%), Hispanic or Latino (3.7%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lake County, South Dakota is 43.7 years. Residents are 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
The median home value in Lake County is $231,000 and median monthly rent is $868. 71.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,747 total housing units, 19.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lake County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Lake County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
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Full rankings of South Dakota counties
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.