Faulk County, South Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Faulk County is located in South Dakota with a total population of 2,137. It is the 57th most populous county out of 66 in South Dakota. The county encompasses 8 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Faulk County is 43.2 years. This is 15% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. 13.2% 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 Faulk County is $58,000. 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 25.6%. This is 113% 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 4.2%. This is 41% higher than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $124,100. Housing costs are 48% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Faulk County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 81.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 19% higher than the state average of 68.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

Faulk County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.4%.

Education

18.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 41% 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 92.9%.