Potter County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 52nd-largest in South Dakota
The population of Potter County, South Dakota is 2,430 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 52nd-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $71,726, the median home value is $121,300, and the median age is 44.9.
The population of Potter County has grown 2.2% since 2010 (2,351 → 2,402), a +0.15% annualized rate.
2,430
Population
+0.15%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$71,726
Median Income
$121,300
Median Home Value
Potter County covers 861 sq mi of land at 2.8 people per square mile.
About Potter County, SD
What distinguishes Potter County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 3 people per square mile. Potter County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 2,430.
Households take in a median $71,726, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.5%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $121,300, with typical rent around $869.
26.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 8.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 12 minutes each way.
Potter County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Potter County had a population of 2,351 in 2010 and 2,402 in 2024, a 2.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 2,474 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.24%.
2,402
Population (2024)
2,351
Population (2010)
2,474
Peak (2020)
0.24%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,351 |
| 2011 | 2,370 |
| 2012 | 2,340 |
| 2013 | 2,358 |
| 2014 | 2,307 |
| 2015 | 2,297 |
| 2016 | 2,261 |
| 2017 | 2,216 |
| 2018 | 2,205 |
| 2019 | 2,149 |
| 2020 | 2,474 |
| 2021 | 2,473 |
| 2022 | 2,450 |
| 2023 | 2,416 |
| 2024 | 2,402 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.4% |
| Black or African American | 1.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.9
Median Age
51.4%
Female
48.6%
Male
27.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.3% · Seniors (65+): 27.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,726$-695 vs state |
| Mean household income | $88,564 |
| Per-capita income | $37,661 |
| Poverty rate | 5.5%-1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Potter County is agriculture, accounting for 25.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.2%
Carpool
72.1%
Public transit
8.5%
Work from home
12.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$121,300$-115,500 vs state
Median home value
$869
Median rent
78.8%
Homeownership rate
1,569
Total housing units
65.1%
Occupied
34.9%
Vacant
21.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.4%
With health insurance
96.9%
With broadband internet
19.7%
Foreign-born
6.0%
Veterans (18+)
10.5%
With a disability
97.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
97.7%
High School+
26.6%
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
Potter County, South Dakota has a population of 2,430 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 52nd-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Potter County has grown 2.2% since 2010 (2,351 → 2,402), a +0.15% annualized rate.
The median household income in Potter County, South Dakota is $71,726, with mean (average) household income of $88,564 and per-capita income of $37,661. 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Potter County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.4%), Hispanic or Latino (3.6%), Black or African American (1.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Potter County, South Dakota is 44.9 years. Residents are 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
The median home value in Potter County is $121,300 and median monthly rent is $869. 78.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,569 total housing units, 34.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Potter County, South Dakota is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 25.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Potter County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
Potter County, SD Climate
Potter County, SD has an average annual temperature of 6.5°C (44°F) and receives about 463 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.5°C
Avg Temp
463
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -11° / 13° | 9 mm |
| February | -7° / 19° | 13 mm |
| March | -1° / 30° | 31 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 56 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 69 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 75 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 61 mm |
| August | 21° / 71° | 56 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 34 mm |
| October | 8° / 47° | 30 mm |
| November | -1° / 29° | 15 mm |
| December | -8° / 17° | 14 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 Potter County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Potter County, SD are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Potter County
Visiting or relocating to Potter County, SD? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Potter County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Potter County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Potter County, SD by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from South Dakota
Population 200,689
Population 112,081
Population 68,286
Population 38,079
Full rankings of South Dakota counties
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.