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
The poverty rate is what most separates Stanley County from the typical county: 1.7% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. 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 typical household earns $77,000 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the lowest of comparable US counties, at 1.7% — below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $169,900, with typical rent around $896.
25.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Just 4.3% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 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.