Tripp County, South Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Tripp County is located in South Dakota with a total population of 5,607. It is the 31st most populous county out of 66 in South Dakota. The county encompasses 3 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Tripp County is 45.1 years. This is 20% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. 11.6% 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 Tripp County is $58,854. This is 19% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 25% lower. The poverty rate stands at 18.9%. This is 58% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 1.6%. This is 46% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $137,100. Housing costs are 42% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.3x, Tripp County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 70.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% higher than the state average of 68.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Tripp County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 80.7% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.6%. The Black or African American population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 2.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 4.6%.

Education

19.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 36% 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 89.5%.