Harding County, South Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Harding County is located in South Dakota with a total population of 1,092. It is the 65th most populous county out of 66 in South Dakota. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Harding County is 48.9 years. This is 30% higher than the state median of 37.7 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Harding County is $74,766. This is 3% higher than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 5% lower. The poverty rate stands at 5.5%. This is 54% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 1.0%. This is 66% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $156,400. Housing costs are 34% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Harding County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 77.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 68.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

Harding County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.4% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.9%) is well below the state average of 4.6%.

Education

30.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 2% 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 94.5%.