Stanley County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 48th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Stanley County, South Dakota is 3,012 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 48th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $77,000, the median home value is $169,900, and the median age is 43.7.
The population of Stanley County has grown 1.4% since 2010 (2,972 → 3,015), a +0.10% annualized rate.
3,012
Population
+0.10%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$77,000
Median Income
$169,900
Median Home Value
Stanley County covers 1,444 sq mi of land at 2.1 people per square mile.
About Stanley County, SD
Stanley County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 3,012. It ranks #48 among counties in South Dakota by population. The median age is 43.7, older than the national median. The population is 55.4% male and 44.6% female.
The median household income in Stanley County is $77,000, near the US median of $74,580. 1.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $169,900, with monthly rent averaging $896. The homeownership rate of 79.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Stanley County reflects 25.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 14.8 minutes each way.
Stanley County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Stanley County had a population of 2,972 in 2010 and 3,015 in 2024, a 1.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,129 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: 0.12%.
3,015
Population (2024)
2,972
Population (2010)
3,129
Peak (2019)
0.12%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,972 |
| 2011 | 2,979 |
| 2012 | 2,978 |
| 2013 | 2,982 |
| 2014 | 2,984 |
| 2015 | 2,978 |
| 2016 | 3,016 |
| 2017 | 2,987 |
| 2018 | 3,035 |
| 2019 | 3,129 |
| 2020 | 2,970 |
| 2021 | 3,034 |
| 2022 | 3,014 |
| 2023 | 3,040 |
| 2024 | 3,015 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 6.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.7
Median Age
44.6%
Female
55.4%
Male
22.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.3% · Seniors (65+): 22.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $77,000+$4,579 vs state |
| Mean household income | $106,448 |
| Per-capita income | $48,110 |
| Poverty rate | 1.7%-5.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 71.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Stanley County is public administration, accounting for 18.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.6%
Carpool
86.0%
Public transit
4.3%
Work from home
14.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$169,900$-66,900 vs state
Median home value
$896
Median rent
79.3%
Homeownership rate
1,541
Total housing units
82.5%
Occupied
17.5%
Vacant
20.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.3%
With health insurance
97.9%
With broadband internet
22.7%
Foreign-born
5.6%
Veterans (18+)
15.4%
With a disability
99.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.4%
High School+
25.4%
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
Stanley County, South Dakota has a population of 3,012 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 48th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of Stanley County has grown 1.4% since 2010 (2,972 → 3,015), a +0.10% annualized rate.
The median household income in Stanley County, South Dakota is $77,000, with mean (average) household income of $106,448 and per-capita income of $48,110. 1.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Stanley County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.0%), Hispanic or Latino (6.1%), 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 Stanley County, South Dakota is 43.7 years. Residents are 44.6% female and 55.4% male.
The median home value in Stanley County is $169,900 and median monthly rent is $896. 79.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,541 total housing units, 17.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Stanley County, South Dakota is public administration, employing 18.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.2%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Stanley 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.