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.
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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.