Day County, South Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Day County is located in South Dakota with a total population of 5,460. It is the 32nd most populous county out of 66 in South Dakota. The county encompasses 8 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Day County is 47.1 years. This is 25% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. 11.6% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Day County is $62,270. This is 14% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 21% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.0%. This is 16% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 2.2%. This is 28% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $155,100. Housing costs are 35% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.5x, Day County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 75.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% higher than the state average of 68.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Day County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 83.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.7%. The Black or African American population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 2.2%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 1.4%.

Education

21.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 31% 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 91.8%.