Fall River County, South Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Fall River County is located in South Dakota with a total population of 7,179. It is the 25th most populous county out of 66 in South Dakota. The county encompasses 3 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Fall River County is 54.5 years. This is 45% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. 11.9% 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 Fall River County is $61,056. This is 16% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 22% lower. The poverty rate stands at 19.7%. This is 64% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 3.5%. This is 17% higher than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $176,300. Housing costs are 26% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Fall River County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 75.3% 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 Fall River County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 84.4% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.3%. The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 1.4%.

Education

22.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 29% 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 91.5%.