McPherson County, South Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

McPherson County is located in South Dakota with a total population of 2,278. It is the 56th most populous county out of 66 in South Dakota. The county encompasses 4 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in McPherson County is 48.8 years. This is 29% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. 15.4% 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 McPherson County is $62,024. This is 14% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 21% lower. The poverty rate stands at 12.6%. This is 5% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 0.6%. This is 79% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $78,400. Housing costs are 67% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.3x, McPherson County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 81.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% higher than the state average of 68.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

McPherson County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.4% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 1.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 4.6%.

Education

22.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 28% 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 81.0%.