Hand County, South Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Hand County is located in South Dakota with a total population of 3,045. It is the 47th most populous county out of 66 in South Dakota. The county encompasses 4 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Hand County is 43.8 years. This is 16% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. 11.7% 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 Hand County is $72,054. This is about average than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 8% lower. The poverty rate stands at 6.6%. This is 45% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 1.1%. This is 62% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $152,100. Housing costs are 36% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Hand County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 64.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% lower than the state average of 68.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

Hand County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.9%. The Black or African American population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.9%) is well below the state average of 4.6%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 1.4%.

Education

26.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 16% 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 95.4%.