Stanley County, South Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Stanley County is located in South Dakota with a total population of 3,012. It is the 48th most populous county out of 66 in South Dakota.

Age Demographics

The median age in Stanley County is 43.7 years. This is 16% higher than the state median of 37.7 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Stanley County is $77,000. This is 6% higher than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 2% lower. The poverty rate stands at 2.1%. This is 83% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 0.3%. This is 89% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $169,900. Housing costs are 28% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x, Stanley County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 79.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% higher than the state average of 68.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

Stanley County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.0%) is well below the state average of 4.6%.

Education

25.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 18% 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%.