Pennington County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 2nd-largest in South Dakota
The population of Pennington County, South Dakota is 112,081 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $70,768, the median home value is $270,400, and the median age is 39.7.
The population of Pennington County has grown 14.5% since 2010 (101,253 → 115,979), a +0.97% annualized rate.
112,081
Population
+0.97%
Annual growth
40
People / sq mi
$70,768
Median Income
$270,400
Median Home Value
Pennington County covers 2,777 sq mi of land at 40.4 people per square mile.
About Pennington County, SD
Pennington County is defined demographically by education — 34.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, near the national average. Pennington County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 112,081. It is the #2-largest of all counties in South Dakota nationally.
Median household income is $70,768, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.2%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $270,400, with typical rent around $1,066.
College attainment is above the local norm at 34.1%, near the national 35.0%. Around 9.8% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Pennington County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Pennington County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Pennington County had a population of 101,253 in 2010 and 115,979 in 2024, a 14.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 115,979 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.99%.
115,979
Population (2024)
101,253
Population (2010)
115,979
Peak (2024)
0.99%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 101,253 |
| 2011 | 102,443 |
| 2012 | 104,291 |
| 2013 | 106,003 |
| 2014 | 107,613 |
| 2015 | 108,212 |
| 2016 | 109,240 |
| 2017 | 110,686 |
| 2018 | 112,260 |
| 2019 | 114,407 |
| 2020 | 109,573 |
| 2021 | 111,903 |
| 2022 | 114,269 |
| 2023 | 115,834 |
| 2024 | 115,979 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.3% |
| Black or African American | 1.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 12.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.7
Median Age
48.9%
Female
51.1%
Male
19.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.4% · Seniors (65+): 19.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,768$-1,653 vs state |
| Mean household income | $95,438 |
| Per-capita income | $40,527 |
| Poverty rate | 7.2%-0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Pennington County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
77.6%
Public transit
9.8%
Work from home
18.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$270,400+$33,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,066
Median rent
69.1%
Homeownership rate
50,655
Total housing units
90.2%
Occupied
9.8%
Vacant
30.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.5%
With health insurance
95.1%
With broadband internet
41.0%
Foreign-born
12.8%
Veterans (18+)
14.9%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.7%
High School+
34.1%
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
Pennington County, South Dakota has a population of 112,081 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 40 people per square mile.
The population of Pennington County has grown 14.5% since 2010 (101,253 → 115,979), a +0.97% annualized rate.
The median household income in Pennington County, South Dakota is $70,768, with mean (average) household income of $95,438 and per-capita income of $40,527. 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Pennington County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (80.3%), Hispanic or Latino (12.4%), Black or African American (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Pennington County, South Dakota is 39.7 years. Residents are 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
The median home value in Pennington County is $270,400 and median monthly rent is $1,066. 69.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 50,655 total housing units, 9.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Pennington County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Pennington County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
Pennington County, SD Climate
Pennington County, SD has an average annual temperature of 8.5°C (47°F) and receives about 420 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.5°C
Avg Temp
420
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 9 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 12 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 25 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 47 mm |
| May | 14° / 56° | 72 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 73 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 55 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 40 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 31 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 31 mm |
| November | 1° / 34° | 14 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 Pennington County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Pennington County, SD are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Pennington County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.