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
In McPherson County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $78,400. McPherson County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 2,278.
The typical household here earns about $62,024, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.4%, below the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $78,400, with typical rent around $580.
22.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.5%, and the average commute runs about 20 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.
McPherson County, SD Climate
McPherson County, SD has an average annual temperature of 5.6°C (42°F) and receives about 462 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.6°C
Avg Temp
462
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -12° / 10° | 10 mm |
| February | -8° / 17° | 11 mm |
| March | -2° / 28° | 28 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 51 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 65 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 86 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 64 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 54 mm |
| September | 15° / 58° | 40 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 28 mm |
| November | -2° / 28° | 15 mm |
| December | -10° / 14° | 10 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 McPherson County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit McPherson County, SD are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -18°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near McPherson County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.