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
The poverty rate is what most separates Meade County from the typical county: 4.4% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Meade County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 30,297. It is the #6-largest of all counties in South Dakota nationally.
The typical household earns $74,161 a year, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the lowest of comparable US counties, at 4.4% — below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $274,800, with typical rent around $1,150.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 26.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.1%, and the average commute runs about 21 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
Metro areas in South Dakota
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.