Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 15th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota is 13,587 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 15th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $34,769, the median home value is $45,600, and the median age is 27.0.
The population of Oglala Lakota County has declined 2.0% since 2010 (13,636 → 13,360), a -0.15% annualized rate.
13,587
Population
-0.15%
Annual growth
6
People / sq mi
$34,769
Median Income
$45,600
Median Home Value
Oglala Lakota County covers 2,094 sq mi of land at 6.5 people per square mile.
About Oglala Lakota County, SD
Housing cost is the defining feature of Oglala Lakota County: the median home is valued at $45,600. With 13,587 residents, Oglala Lakota County is a county in South Dakota. It ranks #15 among counties in South Dakota by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $34,769, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 48.8%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $45,600, with typical rent around $563.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 9.8%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 2.3% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Oglala Lakota County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Oglala Lakota County had a population of 13,636 in 2010 and 13,360 in 2024, a -2.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,426 in 2016. Average annual growth rate: -0.14%.
13,360
Population (2024)
13,636
Population (2010)
14,426
Peak (2016)
-0.14%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,636 |
| 2011 | 13,897 |
| 2012 | 14,041 |
| 2013 | 14,130 |
| 2014 | 14,217 |
| 2015 | 14,364 |
| 2016 | 14,426 |
| 2017 | 14,392 |
| 2018 | 14,324 |
| 2019 | 14,171 |
| 2020 | 13,648 |
| 2021 | 13,559 |
| 2022 | 13,482 |
| 2023 | 13,407 |
| 2024 | 13,360 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 6.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 92.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
27.0
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
7.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 30.2% · Seniors (65+): 7.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $34,769$-37,652 vs state |
| Mean household income | $50,403 |
| Per-capita income | $11,650 |
| Poverty rate | 48.8%+41.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 33.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Oglala Lakota County is professional & business services, accounting for 38.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.3%
Carpool
66.6%
Public transit
2.3%
Work from home
14.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$45,600$-191,200 vs state
Median home value
$563
Median rent
53.5%
Homeownership rate
3,461
Total housing units
78.9%
Occupied
21.1%
Vacant
46.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
56.5%
With health insurance
75.1%
With broadband internet
10.8%
Foreign-born
3.7%
Veterans (18+)
9.9%
With a disability
86.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
78.0%
High School+
9.8%
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
Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota has a population of 13,587 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 15th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 6 people per square mile.
The population of Oglala Lakota County has declined 2.0% since 2010 (13,636 → 13,360), a -0.15% annualized rate.
The median household income in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota is $34,769, with mean (average) household income of $50,403 and per-capita income of $11,650. 48.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Oglala Lakota County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (92.3%), White (6.6%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota is 27.0 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Oglala Lakota County is $45,600 and median monthly rent is $563. 53.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,461 total housing units, 21.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 38.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
Oglala Lakota County, SD Climate
Oglala Lakota County, SD has an average annual temperature of 8.9°C (48°F) and receives about 406 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.9°C
Avg Temp
406
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 7 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 9 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 22 mm |
| April | 8° / 47° | 43 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 71 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 77 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 65 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 37 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 30 mm |
| October | 10° / 49° | 25 mm |
| November | 1° / 34° | 11 mm |
| December | -4° / 24° | 9 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 Oglala Lakota County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Oglala Lakota 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 -13°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Oglala Lakota County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.