McPherson County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 56th-largest in South Dakota
The population of McPherson County, South Dakota is 2,278 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 56th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $62,024, the median home value is $78,400, and the median age is 48.8.
The population of McPherson County has declined 6.0% since 2010 (2,455 → 2,307), a -0.44% annualized rate.
2,278
Population
-0.44%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$62,024
Median Income
$78,400
Median Home Value
McPherson County covers 1,137 sq mi of land at 2.0 people per square mile.
About McPherson County, SD
McPherson County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 2,278. It ranks #56 among counties in South Dakota by population. The median age is 48.8, older than the national median. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The median household income in McPherson County is $62,024, below the US median of $74,580. 8.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $78,400, with monthly rent averaging $580. The homeownership rate of 81.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in McPherson County reflects 22.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.8 minutes each way.
McPherson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of McPherson County had a population of 2,455 in 2010 and 2,307 in 2024, a -6.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 2,455 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.44%.
2,307
Population (2024)
2,455
Population (2010)
2,455
Peak (2010)
-0.44%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,455 |
| 2011 | 2,451 |
| 2012 | 2,428 |
| 2013 | 2,425 |
| 2014 | 2,420 |
| 2015 | 2,399 |
| 2016 | 2,414 |
| 2017 | 2,403 |
| 2018 | 2,405 |
| 2019 | 2,388 |
| 2020 | 2,403 |
| 2021 | 2,419 |
| 2022 | 2,401 |
| 2023 | 2,335 |
| 2024 | 2,307 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.8
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
30.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.3% · Seniors (65+): 30.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,024$-10,397 vs state |
| Mean household income | $90,834 |
| Per-capita income | $40,645 |
| Poverty rate | 8.4%+1.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in McPherson County is agriculture, accounting for 25.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
10.4%
Carpool
73.1%
Public transit
8.5%
Work from home
19.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$78,400$-158,400 vs state
Median home value
$580
Median rent
81.0%
Homeownership rate
1,247
Total housing units
71.9%
Occupied
28.1%
Vacant
19.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.7%
With health insurance
85.7%
With broadband internet
21.6%
Foreign-born
10.0%
Veterans (18+)
12.6%
With a disability
83.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
81.0%
High School+
22.4%
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
McPherson County, South Dakota has a population of 2,278 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 56th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of McPherson County has declined 6.0% since 2010 (2,455 → 2,307), a -0.44% annualized rate.
The median household income in McPherson County, South Dakota is $62,024, with mean (average) household income of $90,834 and per-capita income of $40,645. 8.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In McPherson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.0%), Black or African American (1.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in McPherson County, South Dakota is 48.8 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in McPherson County is $78,400 and median monthly rent is $580. 81.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,247 total housing units, 28.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in McPherson County, South Dakota is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 25.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.4%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with McPherson 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.