Mellette County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 58th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Mellette County, South Dakota is 2,043 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 58th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $51,364, the median home value is $63,000, and the median age is 31.0.
The population of Mellette County has declined 9.5% since 2010 (2,026 → 1,834), a -0.71% annualized rate.
2,043
Population
-0.71%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$51,364
Median Income
$63,000
Median Home Value
Mellette County covers 1,307 sq mi of land at 1.6 people per square mile.
About Mellette County, SD
Mellette County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 2,043. It ranks #58 among counties in South Dakota by population. The median age is 31.0, younger than the national median. The population is 47.8% male and 52.2% female.
The median household income in Mellette County is $51,364, below the US median of $74,580. 30.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $63,000, with monthly rent averaging $737. The homeownership rate of 59.9% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Mellette County reflects 16.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 15.8 minutes each way.
Mellette County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mellette County had a population of 2,026 in 2010 and 1,834 in 2024, a -9.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 2,073 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.68%.
1,834
Population (2024)
2,026
Population (2010)
2,073
Peak (2011)
-0.68%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,026 |
| 2011 | 2,073 |
| 2012 | 2,052 |
| 2013 | 2,048 |
| 2014 | 2,068 |
| 2015 | 2,027 |
| 2016 | 2,071 |
| 2017 | 2,066 |
| 2018 | 2,032 |
| 2019 | 2,068 |
| 2020 | 1,922 |
| 2021 | 1,900 |
| 2022 | 1,867 |
| 2023 | 1,843 |
| 2024 | 1,834 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 31.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 67.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.3% |
Age & Sex
31.0
Median Age
52.2%
Female
47.8%
Male
15.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 26.4% · Seniors (65+): 15.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,364$-21,057 vs state |
| Mean household income | $58,700 |
| Per-capita income | $18,423 |
| Poverty rate | 30.9%+23.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mellette County is professional & business services, accounting for 36.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.0%
Carpool
66.5%
Public transit
5.9%
Work from home
15.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$63,000$-173,800 vs state
Median home value
$737
Median rent
59.9%
Homeownership rate
779
Total housing units
79.1%
Occupied
20.9%
Vacant
40.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
71.8%
With health insurance
80.4%
With broadband internet
20.1%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
12.1%
With a disability
85.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.6%
High School+
16.3%
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
Mellette County, South Dakota has a population of 2,043 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 58th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of Mellette County has declined 9.5% since 2010 (2,026 → 1,834), a -0.71% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mellette County, South Dakota is $51,364, with mean (average) household income of $58,700 and per-capita income of $18,423. 30.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mellette County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (67.4%), White (31.6%), Two or more races (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Mellette County, South Dakota is 31.0 years. Residents are 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
The median home value in Mellette County is $63,000 and median monthly rent is $737. 59.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 779 total housing units, 20.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mellette County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 36.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 7.7%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Mellette 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.