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
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 median age is 39.9, in line with the national median. The population is 51.3% male and 48.7% female.
The median household income in McCook County is $80,847, above the US median of $74,580. 4.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $217,300, with monthly rent averaging $750. The homeownership rate of 81.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in McCook County reflects 28.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.4 minutes each way.
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.
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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.