Meade County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 6th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Meade County, South Dakota is 30,297 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $74,161, the median home value is $274,800, and the median age is 37.0.
The population of Meade County has grown 21.4% since 2010 (25,478 → 30,918), a +1.39% annualized rate.
30,297
Population
+1.39%
Annual growth
9
People / sq mi
$74,161
Median Income
$274,800
Median Home Value
Meade County covers 3,471 sq mi of land at 8.7 people per square mile.
About Meade County, SD
Meade County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 30,297. It ranks #6 among counties in South Dakota by population. The median age is 37.0, younger than the national median. The population is 52.3% male and 47.7% female.
The median household income in Meade County is $74,161, near the US median of $74,580. 4.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $274,800, with monthly rent averaging $1,150. The homeownership rate of 72.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Meade County reflects 26.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.2 minutes each way.
Meade County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Meade County had a population of 25,478 in 2010 and 30,918 in 2024, a 21.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 30,931 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 1.40%.
30,918
Population (2024)
25,478
Population (2010)
30,931
Peak (2023)
1.40%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 25,478 |
| 2011 | 25,504 |
| 2012 | 25,851 |
| 2013 | 26,417 |
| 2014 | 26,737 |
| 2015 | 26,794 |
| 2016 | 27,374 |
| 2017 | 28,007 |
| 2018 | 28,305 |
| 2019 | 28,469 |
| 2020 | 29,903 |
| 2021 | 30,298 |
| 2022 | 30,679 |
| 2023 | 30,931 |
| 2024 | 30,918 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.4% |
| Black or African American | 2.0% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.0
Median Age
47.7%
Female
52.3%
Male
16.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.6% · Seniors (65+): 16.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $74,161+$1,740 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,185 |
| Per-capita income | $36,301 |
| Poverty rate | 4.4%-3.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Meade County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
4.4%
Carpool
77.0%
Public transit
7.1%
Work from home
21.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$274,800+$38,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,150
Median rent
72.7%
Homeownership rate
12,648
Total housing units
93.3%
Occupied
6.7%
Vacant
27.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.7%
With health insurance
91.6%
With broadband internet
47.9%
Foreign-born
13.3%
Veterans (18+)
14.8%
With a disability
96.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.6%
High School+
26.9%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in South Dakota
Part of South Dakota
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Meade County, South Dakota has a population of 30,297 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 9 people per square mile.
The population of Meade County has grown 21.4% since 2010 (25,478 → 30,918), a +1.39% annualized rate.
The median household income in Meade County, South Dakota is $74,161, with mean (average) household income of $89,185 and per-capita income of $36,301. 4.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Meade County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.4%), Hispanic or Latino (4.7%), Black or African American (2.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Meade County, South Dakota is 37.0 years. Residents are 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
The median home value in Meade County is $274,800 and median monthly rent is $1,150. 72.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 12,648 total housing units, 6.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Meade County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Meade 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.