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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Lawrence County: 63.9% of homes are owner-occupied, close to the national rate. Lawrence County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 26,574. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in South Dakota in the country, at #8 by population.
The typical household here earns about $66,766, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.5%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $310,800, with typical rent around $923.
About 34.1% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. About 6.0% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 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.
Lawrence County, SD Climate
Lawrence County, SD has an average annual temperature of 6.2°C (43°F) and receives about 624 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.2°C
Avg Temp
624
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 23 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 27 mm |
| March | 0° / 31° | 42 mm |
| April | 4° / 39° | 79 mm |
| May | 10° / 50° | 103 mm |
| June | 15° / 59° | 98 mm |
| July | 19° / 66° | 59 mm |
| August | 18° / 65° | 52 mm |
| September | 13° / 56° | 48 mm |
| October | 7° / 44° | 38 mm |
| November | 0° / 32° | 26 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 29 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 Lawrence County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Lawrence County, SD are typically July, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lawrence 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.