McCook County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 30th-largest in South Dakota
The population of McCook County, South Dakota is 5,732 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 30th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $80,847, the median home value is $217,300, and the median age is 39.9.
The population of McCook County has grown 2.9% since 2010 (5,609 → 5,771), a +0.20% annualized rate.
5,732
Population
+0.20%
Annual growth
10
People / sq mi
$80,847
Median Income
$217,300
Median Home Value
McCook County covers 574 sq mi of land at 10.0 people per square mile.
About McCook County, SD
Homeownership is the standout figure in McCook County: 81.8% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. McCook County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 5,732. It ranks #30 among counties in South Dakota by population.
The typical household earns $80,847 a year, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 4.9%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $217,300, with typical rent around $750.
College attainment is above the local norm at 28.7%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 10.7%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in McCook County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
McCook County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of McCook County had a population of 5,609 in 2010 and 5,771 in 2024, a 2.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,809 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.21%.
5,771
Population (2024)
5,609
Population (2010)
5,809
Peak (2023)
0.21%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,609 |
| 2011 | 5,539 |
| 2012 | 5,565 |
| 2013 | 5,595 |
| 2014 | 5,549 |
| 2015 | 5,485 |
| 2016 | 5,513 |
| 2017 | 5,549 |
| 2018 | 5,572 |
| 2019 | 5,560 |
| 2020 | 5,674 |
| 2021 | 5,725 |
| 2022 | 5,775 |
| 2023 | 5,809 |
| 2024 | 5,771 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.9
Median Age
48.7%
Female
51.3%
Male
18.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 23.7% · Seniors (65+): 18.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $80,847+$8,426 vs state |
| Mean household income | $97,710 |
| Per-capita income | $37,131 |
| Poverty rate | 4.9%-2.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 69.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in McCook County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.0%
Carpool
76.0%
Public transit
10.7%
Work from home
26.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$217,300$-19,500 vs state
Median home value
$750
Median rent
81.8%
Homeownership rate
2,467
Total housing units
89.9%
Occupied
10.1%
Vacant
18.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.1%
With health insurance
94.0%
With broadband internet
23.0%
Foreign-born
8.1%
Veterans (18+)
11.9%
With a disability
96.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.5%
High School+
28.7%
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
McCook County, South Dakota has a population of 5,732 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 30th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 10 people per square mile.
The population of McCook County has grown 2.9% since 2010 (5,609 → 5,771), a +0.20% annualized rate.
The median household income in McCook County, South Dakota is $80,847, with mean (average) household income of $97,710 and per-capita income of $37,131. 4.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In McCook County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.9%), Hispanic or Latino (2.9%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in McCook County, South Dakota is 39.9 years. Residents are 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
The median home value in McCook County is $217,300 and median monthly rent is $750. 81.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,467 total housing units, 10.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in McCook County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.2%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with McCook County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
McCook County, SD Climate
McCook County, SD has an average annual temperature of 7.5°C (46°F) and receives about 607 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.5°C
Avg Temp
607
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 14° | 14 mm |
| February | -6° / 21° | 16 mm |
| March | 1° / 33° | 41 mm |
| April | 8° / 47° | 61 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 80 mm |
| June | 20° / 69° | 93 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 77 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 71 mm |
| September | 16° / 62° | 65 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 45 mm |
| November | 0° / 32° | 28 mm |
| December | -7° / 19° | 16 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 McCook County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit McCook 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 -16°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near McCook County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.