Lincoln County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in South Dakota
The population of Lincoln County, South Dakota is 68,286 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $96,552, the median home value is $323,500, and the median age is 35.8.
The population of Lincoln County has grown 66.5% since 2010 (45,185 → 75,244), a +3.71% annualized rate.
68,286
Population
+3.71%
Annual growth
118
People / sq mi
$96,552
Median Income
$323,500
Median Home Value
Lincoln County covers 577 sq mi of land at 118.3 people per square mile.
About Lincoln County, SD
What sets Lincoln County apart is money: median household income runs $96,552, above the US median of $78,538. Lincoln County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 68,286. It is the #3-largest of all counties in South Dakota nationally.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $96,552, above the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 4.0%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $323,500, with typical rent around $1,237.
Lincoln County is among the best-educated US counties: 42.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. About 11.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Lincoln County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Lincoln County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lincoln County had a population of 45,185 in 2010 and 75,244 in 2024, a 66.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 75,244 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 3.72%.
75,244
Population (2024)
45,185
Population (2010)
75,244
Peak (2024)
3.72%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 45,185 |
| 2011 | 46,808 |
| 2012 | 48,414 |
| 2013 | 49,918 |
| 2014 | 51,601 |
| 2015 | 52,997 |
| 2016 | 54,568 |
| 2017 | 56,732 |
| 2018 | 58,881 |
| 2019 | 61,235 |
| 2020 | 65,648 |
| 2021 | 68,002 |
| 2022 | 71,156 |
| 2023 | 73,142 |
| 2024 | 75,244 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.5% |
| Black or African American | 2.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.8
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
14.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 22.8% · Seniors (65+): 14.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $96,552+$24,131 vs state |
| Mean household income | $129,224 |
| Per-capita income | $50,843 |
| Poverty rate | 4.0%-3.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 74.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lincoln County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
81.4%
Public transit
11.1%
Work from home
19.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$323,500+$86,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,237
Median rent
72.0%
Homeownership rate
27,552
Total housing units
96.7%
Occupied
3.3%
Vacant
28.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.3%
With health insurance
97.6%
With broadband internet
33.4%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
8.6%
With a disability
94.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.9%
High School+
42.5%
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
Lincoln County, South Dakota has a population of 68,286 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 118 people per square mile.
The population of Lincoln County has grown 66.5% since 2010 (45,185 → 75,244), a +3.71% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lincoln County, South Dakota is $96,552, with mean (average) household income of $129,224 and per-capita income of $50,843. 4.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lincoln County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.5%), Black or African American (2.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lincoln County, South Dakota is 35.8 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Lincoln County is $323,500 and median monthly rent is $1,237. 72.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 27,552 total housing units, 3.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lincoln County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.2%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Lincoln County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
Lincoln County, SD Climate
Lincoln County, SD has an average annual temperature of 7.9°C (46°F) and receives about 615 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.9°C
Avg Temp
615
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 15° | 11 mm |
| February | -6° / 22° | 14 mm |
| March | 1° / 34° | 38 mm |
| April | 9° / 47° | 63 mm |
| May | 15° / 60° | 81 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 96 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 77 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 77 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 67 mm |
| October | 10° / 49° | 47 mm |
| November | 0° / 33° | 29 mm |
| December | -7° / 19° | 15 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 Lincoln County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Lincoln County, SD are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -15°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lincoln County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.