Douglas County, South Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Douglas County is located in South Dakota with a total population of 2,823. It is the 50th most populous county out of 66 in South Dakota. The county encompasses 3 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Douglas County is 41.9 years. This is 11% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. 11.5% 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 Douglas County is $78,125. This is 8% higher than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is about average. The poverty rate stands at 13.7%. This is 14% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 0.8%. This is 75% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $125,000. Housing costs are 47% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.6x, Douglas County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 77.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% higher than the state average of 68.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

Douglas County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 92.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.4%.

Education

22.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 26% 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 91.7%.