Lawrence County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 8th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Lawrence County, South Dakota is 26,574 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 8th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $66,766, the median home value is $310,800, and the median age is 43.8.
The population of Lawrence County has grown 19.0% since 2010 (24,204 → 28,809), a +1.25% annualized rate.
26,574
Population
+1.25%
Annual growth
33
People / sq mi
$66,766
Median Income
$310,800
Median Home Value
Lawrence County covers 800 sq mi of land at 33.2 people per square mile.
About Lawrence County, SD
Lawrence County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 26,574. It ranks #8 among counties in South Dakota by population. The median age is 43.8, older than the national median. The population is 49.7% male and 50.3% female.
The median household income in Lawrence County is $66,766, below the US median of $74,580. 6.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $310,800, with monthly rent averaging $923. The homeownership rate of 63.9% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lawrence County reflects 34.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.1 minutes each way.
Lawrence County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lawrence County had a population of 24,204 in 2010 and 28,809 in 2024, a 19.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 28,809 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.26%.
28,809
Population (2024)
24,204
Population (2010)
28,809
Peak (2024)
1.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,204 |
| 2011 | 24,335 |
| 2012 | 24,418 |
| 2013 | 24,962 |
| 2014 | 24,759 |
| 2015 | 24,862 |
| 2016 | 25,389 |
| 2017 | 25,736 |
| 2018 | 25,776 |
| 2019 | 25,908 |
| 2020 | 25,849 |
| 2021 | 26,169 |
| 2022 | 27,234 |
| 2023 | 28,106 |
| 2024 | 28,809 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
43.8
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
24.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.1% · Seniors (65+): 24.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $66,766$-5,655 vs state |
| Mean household income | $90,061 |
| Per-capita income | $42,663 |
| Poverty rate | 6.5%-0.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lawrence County is education & health care, accounting for 22.5% of workers.
How residents commute
1.2%
Drive alone
3.9%
Carpool
79.2%
Public transit
6.0%
Work from home
18.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$310,800+$74,000 vs state
Median home value
$923
Median rent
63.9%
Homeownership rate
14,545
Total housing units
81.2%
Occupied
18.8%
Vacant
36.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.1%
With health insurance
91.5%
With broadband internet
42.6%
Foreign-born
10.9%
Veterans (18+)
17.3%
With a disability
95.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.4%
High School+
34.1%
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
Lawrence County, South Dakota has a population of 26,574 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 8th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 33 people per square mile.
The population of Lawrence County has grown 19.0% since 2010 (24,204 → 28,809), a +1.25% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lawrence County, South Dakota is $66,766, with mean (average) household income of $90,061 and per-capita income of $42,663. 6.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lawrence County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.1%), Hispanic or Latino (4.0%), 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 Lawrence County, South Dakota is 43.8 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Lawrence County is $310,800 and median monthly rent is $923. 63.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 14,545 total housing units, 18.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lawrence County, South Dakota is education, health care, and social assistance, employing 22.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.5%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Lawrence 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.