Bennett County, South Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Bennett County is located in South Dakota with a total population of 3,354. It is the 45th most populous county out of 66 in South Dakota. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Bennett County is 28.8 years. This is 24% lower than the state median of 37.7 years. With 34.4% of the population under 18, Bennett County has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Bennett County is $44,569. This is 38% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 43% lower. The poverty rate stands at 31.9%. This is 166% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 9.9%. This is 229% higher than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $138,600. Housing costs are 41% lower than the state median of $236,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x. 57.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% lower than the state average of 68.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

Bennett County is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.7%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (35.5%) is well below the state average of 80.3%. The Black or African American population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 2.2%.

Education

20.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 35% lower than the state rate of 31.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.9%.