Perkins County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 46th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Perkins County, South Dakota is 3,058 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 46th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $65,455, the median home value is $105,900, and the median age is 43.6.
The population of Perkins County has declined 5.2% since 2010 (2,988 → 2,832), a -0.38% annualized rate.
3,058
Population
-0.38%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$65,455
Median Income
$105,900
Median Home Value
Perkins County covers 2,870 sq mi of land at 1.1 people per square mile.
About Perkins County, SD
Perkins County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 3,058. It ranks #46 among counties in South Dakota by population. The median age is 43.6, older than the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Perkins County is $65,455, below the US median of $74,580. 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $105,900, with monthly rent averaging $703. The homeownership rate of 78.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Perkins County reflects 21.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 27.9% of workers primarily work from home, noticeably above the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 15.9 minutes each way.
Perkins County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Perkins County had a population of 2,988 in 2010 and 2,832 in 2024, a -5.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,031 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.38%.
2,832
Population (2024)
2,988
Population (2010)
3,031
Peak (2012)
-0.38%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,988 |
| 2011 | 3,017 |
| 2012 | 3,031 |
| 2013 | 3,024 |
| 2014 | 3,022 |
| 2015 | 2,983 |
| 2016 | 2,958 |
| 2017 | 2,962 |
| 2018 | 2,899 |
| 2019 | 2,833 |
| 2020 | 2,849 |
| 2021 | 2,833 |
| 2022 | 2,807 |
| 2023 | 2,823 |
| 2024 | 2,832 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.6
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
26.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.0% · Seniors (65+): 26.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $65,455$-6,966 vs state |
| Mean household income | $98,722 |
| Per-capita income | $41,539 |
| Poverty rate | 8.7%+1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Perkins County is agriculture, accounting for 31.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
3.0%
Carpool
62.3%
Public transit
27.9%
Work from home
15.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$105,900$-130,900 vs state
Median home value
$703
Median rent
78.9%
Homeownership rate
1,729
Total housing units
72.5%
Occupied
27.5%
Vacant
21.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.7%
With health insurance
92.6%
With broadband internet
54.0%
Foreign-born
10.2%
Veterans (18+)
13.8%
With a disability
98.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.8%
High School+
21.8%
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
Perkins County, South Dakota has a population of 3,058 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 46th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Perkins County has declined 5.2% since 2010 (2,988 → 2,832), a -0.38% annualized rate.
The median household income in Perkins County, South Dakota is $65,455, with mean (average) household income of $98,722 and per-capita income of $41,539. 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Perkins County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.7%), Hispanic or Latino (4.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Perkins County, South Dakota is 43.6 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Perkins County is $105,900 and median monthly rent is $703. 78.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,729 total housing units, 27.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Perkins County, South Dakota is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 31.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Perkins 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.