Brule County, South Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Brule County is located in South Dakota with a total population of 5,261. It is the 34th most populous county out of 66 in South Dakota. The county encompasses 3 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Brule County is 41.4 years. This is 10% higher than the state median of 37.7 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Brule County is $74,043. This is 2% higher than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 6% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.5%. This is 12% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 1.6%. This is 47% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $205,500. Housing costs are 13% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.8x, Brule County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 72.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% higher than the state average of 68.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Brule County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 81.6% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.5%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.5%) is well below the state average of 4.6%.

Education

30.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 3% 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 90.1%.