Sully County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 63rd-largest in South Dakota
The population of Sully County, South Dakota is 1,481 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 63rd-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $70,250, the median home value is $198,700, and the median age is 51.4.
The population of Sully County has grown 6.6% since 2010 (1,377 → 1,468), a +0.46% annualized rate.
1,481
Population
+0.46%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$70,250
Median Income
$198,700
Median Home Value
Sully County covers 1,007 sq mi of land at 1.5 people per square mile.
About Sully County, SD
What distinguishes Sully County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 1 people per square mile. Sully County is a county in South Dakota with a population of 1,481.
The typical household here earns about $70,250, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the lowest of comparable US counties, at 3.8% — below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $198,700, with typical rent around $913.
Roughly 20.9% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 15.4% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Sully County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Sully County had a population of 1,377 in 2010 and 1,468 in 2024, a 6.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,485 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.48%.
1,468
Population (2024)
1,377
Population (2010)
1,485
Peak (2023)
0.48%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,377 |
| 2011 | 1,374 |
| 2012 | 1,429 |
| 2013 | 1,436 |
| 2014 | 1,406 |
| 2015 | 1,402 |
| 2016 | 1,409 |
| 2017 | 1,400 |
| 2018 | 1,373 |
| 2019 | 1,377 |
| 2020 | 1,452 |
| 2021 | 1,472 |
| 2022 | 1,478 |
| 2023 | 1,485 |
| 2024 | 1,468 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.5% |
| Black or African American | 5.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
51.4
Median Age
45.0%
Female
55.0%
Male
23.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.3% · Seniors (65+): 23.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,250$-2,171 vs state |
| Mean household income | $106,129 |
| Per-capita income | $47,550 |
| Poverty rate | 3.8%-3.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 71.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Sully County is agriculture, accounting for 29.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.1%
Carpool
67.3%
Public transit
15.4%
Work from home
16.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$198,700$-38,100 vs state
Median home value
$913
Median rent
76.1%
Homeownership rate
908
Total housing units
68.7%
Occupied
31.3%
Vacant
23.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.1%
With health insurance
92.1%
With broadband internet
28.8%
Foreign-born
4.3%
Veterans (18+)
9.8%
With a disability
94.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.2%
High School+
20.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in South Dakota
Other counties in South Dakota
Part of South Dakota
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sully County, South Dakota has a population of 1,481 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 63rd-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Sully County has grown 6.6% since 2010 (1,377 → 1,468), a +0.46% annualized rate.
The median household income in Sully County, South Dakota is $70,250, with mean (average) household income of $106,129 and per-capita income of $47,550. 3.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Sully County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.5%), Black or African American (5.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Sully County, South Dakota is 51.4 years. Residents are 45.0% female and 55.0% male.
The median home value in Sully County is $198,700 and median monthly rent is $913. 76.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 908 total housing units, 31.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Sully County, South Dakota is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 29.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.0%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Sully County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
Sully County, SD Climate
Sully County, SD has an average annual temperature of 7.6°C (46°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.
7.6°C
Avg Temp
463
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -9° / 15° | 10 mm |
| February | -6° / 22° | 14 mm |
| March | 0° / 32° | 31 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 51 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 69 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 78 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 65 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 52 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 35 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 30 mm |
| November | 0° / 31° | 15 mm |
| December | -7° / 19° | 13 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 Sully County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Sully County, SD are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -15°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Sully County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.