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
In Mellette County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $63,000. Mellette County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 2,043.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $51,364, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 30.9%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $63,000, with typical rent around $737.
College attainment is 16.3%, below the national 35.0%. About 5.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 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.
Mellette County, SD Climate
Mellette County, SD has an average annual temperature of 9.2°C (49°F) and receives about 472 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.2°C
Avg Temp
472
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 8 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 11 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 33 mm |
| April | 9° / 47° | 53 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 79 mm |
| June | 20° / 69° | 81 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 70 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 43 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 36 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 32 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 15 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 11 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 Mellette County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Mellette County, SD are typically August, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Mellette County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.