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
Lake County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 11,052. It ranks #16 among counties in South Dakota by population. The median age is 43.7, older than the national median. The population is 52.5% male and 47.5% female.
The median household income in Lake County is $73,792, near the US median of $74,580. 4.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $231,000, with monthly rent averaging $868. The homeownership rate of 71.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lake County reflects 34.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 15.7 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.