Meade County, South Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Meade County is located in South Dakota with a total population of 30,297. It is the 6th most populous county out of 66 in South Dakota. The county encompasses 4 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Meade County is 37.0 years. This is 2% lower than the state median of 37.7 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Meade County is $74,161. This is 2% higher than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 6% lower. The poverty rate stands at 7.6%. This is 36% lower 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 $274,800. Housing costs are 16% higher than the state median of $236,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 72.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% higher than the state average of 68.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

Meade County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.7%.

Education

26.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 14% 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 94.6%.