Yankton County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Yankton County, South Dakota is 23,379 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $73,855, the median home value is $208,200, and the median age is 42.2.
The population of Yankton County has grown 4.8% since 2010 (22,436 → 23,509), a +0.33% annualized rate.
23,379
Population
+0.33%
Annual growth
45
People / sq mi
$73,855
Median Income
$208,200
Median Home Value
Yankton County covers 521 sq mi of land at 44.9 people per square mile.
About Yankton County, SD
The poverty rate is what most separates Yankton County from the typical county: 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 23,379 residents, Yankton County is a county in South Dakota. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in South Dakota in the country, at #9 by population.
Households take in a median $73,855, 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%. The typical home is valued at $208,200, with typical rent around $777.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 27.7% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.5% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Yankton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Yankton County had a population of 22,436 in 2010 and 23,509 in 2024, a 4.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 23,509 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.34%.
23,509
Population (2024)
22,436
Population (2010)
23,509
Peak (2023)
0.34%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,436 |
| 2011 | 22,507 |
| 2012 | 22,594 |
| 2013 | 22,654 |
| 2014 | 22,695 |
| 2015 | 22,702 |
| 2016 | 22,653 |
| 2017 | 22,691 |
| 2018 | 22,807 |
| 2019 | 22,837 |
| 2020 | 23,286 |
| 2021 | 23,358 |
| 2022 | 23,407 |
| 2023 | 23,509 |
| 2024 | 23,509 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.7% |
| Black or African American | 1.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.2
Median Age
47.9%
Female
52.1%
Male
20.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.5% · Seniors (65+): 20.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $73,855+$1,434 vs state |
| Mean household income | $94,056 |
| Per-capita income | $39,880 |
| Poverty rate | 5.5%-1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Yankton County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.9% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
3.2%
Carpool
79.5%
Public transit
5.5%
Work from home
15.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$208,200$-28,600 vs state
Median home value
$777
Median rent
72.3%
Homeownership rate
10,497
Total housing units
93.3%
Occupied
6.7%
Vacant
27.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.7%
With health insurance
92.2%
With broadband internet
34.7%
Foreign-born
8.4%
Veterans (18+)
14.2%
With a disability
94.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.7%
High School+
27.7%
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
Yankton County, South Dakota has a population of 23,379 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 45 people per square mile.
The population of Yankton County has grown 4.8% since 2010 (22,436 → 23,509), a +0.33% annualized rate.
The median household income in Yankton County, South Dakota is $73,855, with mean (average) household income of $94,056 and per-capita income of $39,880. 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Yankton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.7%), Hispanic or Latino (4.8%), Black or African American (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Yankton County, South Dakota is 42.2 years. Residents are 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
The median home value in Yankton County is $208,200 and median monthly rent is $777. 72.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,497 total housing units, 6.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Yankton County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.0%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Yankton County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
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.