Dewey County, South Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Dewey County is located in South Dakota with a total population of 5,230. It is the 35th most populous county out of 66 in South Dakota. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Dewey County is 27.6 years. This is 27% lower than the state median of 37.7 years. With 37.6% of the population under 18, Dewey County has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Dewey County is $57,928. This is 20% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 26% lower. The poverty rate stands at 32.3%. This is 169% 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 14.6%. This is 388% higher than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $75,400. Housing costs are 68% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.3x, Dewey County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 61.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% lower than the state average of 68.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

Dewey 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 1.5%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (20.2%) is well below the state average of 80.3%. The Black or African American population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.5%) is well below the state average of 4.6%. The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 1.4%.

Education

17.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 44% 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%.